How is uterine sarcoma treated?
Every patient at Miami Cancer Institute receives a personalized treatment plan put together by our team of gynecologic oncologists. Gynecologic oncologists at Miami Cancer Institute also work closely with experts in our next-generation genomic sequencing laboratory to help pinpoint your exact type of tumor and the most effective way to treat the cancer.
Our philosophy is to find the plan that not only treats the cancer, but also fits you as a patient. Your team will consider your specific diagnosis and type of tumor, the stage of disease, size and location of tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. We also work closely with physical therapists, nurses, nutrition and psychosocial experts to ensure we address any potential side effects of treatment.
Surgery is the most common treatment for uterine sarcoma and often the only treatment needed if the disease has not spread outside the uterus. The type of surgery used depends on the size and stage of the tumor as well as your overall health and whether you plan to have children in the future.
In some cases, uterine sarcoma can be treated with minimally invasive or robotic surgeries. As leaders in gynecologic cancer surgery, Miami Cancer Institute has one of the largest minimally invasive gynecologic surgical programs in the region. The Institute also holds a designation as a center of excellence in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).
Miami Cancer Institute also takes a multi-specialty approach to gynecologic surgeries, and your care team will collaborate with surgery specialists from different treatment areas to help create a comprehensive care plan for you.
During surgery, your doctor will remove the tumor and may also remove surrounding tissues, organs and lymph nodes. Surgery procedures may include:
- Laparoscopic surgery - This minimally-invasive technique is used to remove the tumor, uterus and other tissue through the vagina and small incisions in the abdomen.
- Robotic surgery techniques - During this procedure, the surgeon will use finger and foot controls to guide a robot that removes the tumor and surrounding tissue. Miami Cancer Institute gynecologic oncologists specialize in this type of surgical treatment.
- Hysterectomy - During this procedure, surgeons will remove the entire uterus and cervix. In some cases, surgeons will also remove some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. If the surgeons also remove part of the vagina, this is known as a radical hysterectomy. Our surgeons are trained in conducting these procedures with minimally-invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques.
In some cases, your care team may decide to combine surgery with other treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
