Types of Medication

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapeutic drugs are delivered intravenously or swallowed as pills or capsules. These agents are directed against known tumors in secondary sites (metastases) outside of the uterus. Chemotherapy is given in cycles of three to four weeks, followed by a rest period.

Side effects are due to the toxicity to normal, noncancerous cells, such as those found in hair follicles, in the lining of the colon and bone marrow cells. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea and fatigue and a susceptibility to infections. Drugs are available to treat these side effects, including growth factors that help the bone marrow generate new healthy cells.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy uses drugs, like progesterone, that can prevent cancer cells from growing. If a woman is not a good candidate for surgery, hormone therapy may be used to help arrest the tumor's growth.

Hormone therapy also may be used if cancer of the uterus has spread to other parts of the body.

Side effects

All women considering treatment for cancer are concerned about side effects of their therapy. The side effects you may experience depend on many factors and cannot be generalized for everybody.

Your physician can explain the possible side effects of each type of cancer treatment. Not everyone experiences the same side effects. If side effects do occur, many things can be done to reduce or relieve the symptoms.

More on Uterine Cancer

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.