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Real members of MyEndometrialCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have stage 3

A MyEndometrialCancerTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭
October 7
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Advanced Endometrial Cancer Prognosis: Fear, Hope, and Understanding Survival Rates Read Article...
A MyEndometrialCancerTeam Member

I was originally diagnosed Stage IIIC/Grade 1, after a second and third pathology review it was determined I had Isolated Tumor Cells (ITCs)/scattered microscopic cancerous cells the largest being 0.2mm. My Stage was then changed to 1A. Microscopic or not, they're still cancer cells. Why does the medical industry not treat these cells as invasive enough to be Stage IIIC. To a patient, a cancer cell outside the uterus sounds invasive, regardless of its size. Are there any articles that speak to these types of cells? Are there any articles that speak to ITCs and how/why they behave completely different than true metastases cells?

October 13
myEndometrialCancerTeam

Having stage 3 endometrial cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the uterus but is still within the pelvic area — it hasn't reached the bladder, rectum, or distant parts of the body. It's a lot to take in, but there are effective treatment options available.

Stage 3 is broken down into substages:

- Stage 3A – Cancer has Show Full Answer

Having stage 3 endometrial cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the uterus but is still within the pelvic area — it hasn't reached the bladder, rectum, or distant parts of the body. It's a lot to take in, but there are effective treatment options available.

Stage 3 is broken down into substages:

- Stage 3A – Cancer has spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer surface of the uterus
- Stage 3B – Cancer has spread to the vagina or the connective tissues surrounding the uterus
- Stage 3C1 – Cancer has spread to pelvic lymph nodes
- Stage 3C2 – Cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the aorta Treatment for stage 3 typically involves more than one approach. Here's what is commonly used:

- Surgery – Usually a radical hysterectomy, removing the uterus, cervix, upper vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
- Chemotherapy – Common drugs include carboplatin and paclitaxel
- Radiation therapy – May target the pelvis or abdomen, or be internal (brachytherapy)
- Immunotherapy – Sometimes used alongside other treatments
- Hormone therapy – An option for some people
- Targeted therapy – Based on specific genetic mutations in your cancer cells

The five-year survival rate for stage 3 (regional) endometrial cancer is around 70 percent, which is an encouraging number. Your care team will also factor in your age, overall health, and how well you respond to treatment when discussing your outlook.

It's always worth asking your oncologist about clinical trials too, as new therapies are continually being explored.

October 7
A MyEndometrialCancerTeam Member

What vitamins and minerals should I take and should not take

October 7

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