The operation is called a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymphadenectomy. Radiation may be used alone or in addition to surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in a vein or a muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drugs enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and can kill cancer cells outside the uterus.
Hormone therapy uses female hormones, usually taken by pill, to kill cancer cells.
Treatment by stage Treatment of sarcoma of the uterus depends on the stage and cell type of the disease, and the patient's age and overall condition. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of sarcoma of the uterus. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymph node dissection, followed by radiation therapy to the pelvis.