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At 38, does my cousin need radiation for endometrial cancer?

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Patient's Query

Hello, Doctor,

My cousin is 38 years old, and doctors recently confirmed FIGO grade 2 endometrial cancer after she went for testing because of spotting. The doctor is advising a hysterectomy, but she is doubtful about the hysterectomy for FIGO grade 2 cancer at 38. Please tell me,

  1. If the uterus is removed completely, does that usually remove the cancer fully?

  2. Is there still a chance it could come back later?

  3. Should she still expect other treatments like radiation after surgery?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your cousin’s situation is understandably worrying, but based on what you have shared, there is real potential for a cure, especially if the cancer is still localized.

In relation to the role of hysterectomy for the management of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage 2 endometrial cancer

Yes. If the cancer is confined to the uterus (Stage I), a total hysterectomy with removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes is often curative. Many women in this situation do not have any cancer left after surgery.

There is always some risk of recurrence, but in early-stage cases, it is relatively low. The exact risk depends on:

  • The depth of the tumor has grown into the uterine muscle.

  • Spread of cancerous cells into the blood vessels and lymphatics.

  • Involvement of the lymph nodes.

If it is truly early-stage, the recurrence risk is generally low.

Scans (MRI/CT) are helpful but not accurate. They can suggest that the cancer is localized, but the final and most reliable staging happens after surgery, when the tissue is examined under a microscope.

Regarding the need for radiation therapy, It depends on what is found after the operation:

  • If the cancer is very early and low risk, she may not need any further treatment.

  • If there are higher-risk features (like deeper invasion or certain cell patterns), doctors may recommend radiation to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Radiation, if used, is preventive, not because surgery did not work. At her age, outcomes are often good. However, a hysterectomy means she will not be able to carry a pregnancy, which can be an important emotional consideration. For grade 2 cancers, surgery is usually the safest and standard treatment.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Ali Osman
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At June 13, 2026
Reviewed AtJuly 2, 2026

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Dr. Ali Osman
Dr. Ali Osman

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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