Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Lymph Node Removal Surgery (Lymphadenectomy) for Endometrial Cancer
Lymph Node Removal Surgery (Lymphadenectomy) for Endometrial Cancer
Surgery Overview
This surgery, also called lymph node dissection, may be done to examine the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes for endometrial cancer cells. Removing and checking the cancerous lymph nodes will let the doctor know the exact stage and grade of the cancer. And it may reduce the spread of the disease. The procedure can be done through an incision in the belly or by laparoscope.
The surgery may be done:
- If cancer cells are found in certain lymph nodes that were removed in an earlier surgery.
- As part of a hysterectomy if cancer has invaded the deep part of the muscle, the cancer is of higher grade, or your doctor suspects that cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
The surgery usually is an extensive operation in which lymph nodes are removed. This is needed because cancer can spread through the lymph system to other areas of the body. The surgery usually is done under general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery may take longer than open surgery.
What To Expect
What To Expect
If the procedure is done with a laparoscope rather than by open abdominal incision, recovery time may be shorter.
Why It Is Done
Why It Is Done
Some doctors recommend that this surgery be done in all cases of endometrial cancer. Others believe that this procedure might not be needed when the cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage and is found to be a slow-growing grade. Surgery may be needed if:
- Cancer cells are found in selected lymph nodes that were removed in an earlier surgery.
- Cancer cells are found in a lymph node at the time you are having surgery.
- Your pelvic lymph nodes are enlarged.
- Cancer cells are a higher grade (faster-growing).
- Cancer cells have grown into the muscle of the uterus, the cervix, or other areas of the pelvis.
- The cancer is large.
How Well It Works
How Well It Works
Removing the lymph nodes helps your doctor find out if you have cancer. It also gives more accurate information about the extent and type of cancer cell growth. Removing cancerous lymph nodes may reduce the spread of cancer.
Risks
Risks
Risks of a lymphadenectomy include:
- Lymphedema.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Collection of lymph fluid in the pelvis (lymphocele).
Current as of: May 4, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Ross Berkowitz MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>
