Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 35-year-old woman recently diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer, and I have not had children yet. I am very worried about losing fertility. Please tell me,
Can an IUD treat endometrial cancer instead of a hysterectomy?
Are there cases where hormonal IUDs can control or treat cancer safely?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes, there is a possibility to treat a very early-stage endometrial cancer with an intrauterine device (IUD). However, it needs to be in an early stage, meaning a low grade (usually grade 1 - only endometrioid variant type), limited to endometrial lining (with no invasion into the muscular wall of the uterus), and has not spread anywhere else in the body (meaning limited only in the uterus).
In these situations, a trial of Levonorgestrel-releasing (LNG) IUD with Oral Progestins therapy (as guided by your Gynaecologist is a valid option after a thorough workup. You should also understand that cure rates can be between 50-70%, but chances of progression despite this therapy can also occur, which would need you to undergo definitive therapy, that is, surgical removal of the uterus with staging surgery, which could impact your chances to conceive in the future.
Generally, a follow-up every three months with a hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage (D&C) with endometrial biopsy is recommended for you while on hormonal therapy to rule out any progression of the Endometrial cancer.
I hope this information helps you.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thank you.
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