Surgery for specific gynaecological cancers
The type of surgery you may be offered depends on the type of gynaecological cancer, its stage, and your individual circumstances. The sections below provide a general overview of the surgical approaches commonly used. This is not an exhaustive source of information.
Your surgical team will give you detailed, personalised information about the specific operation recommended for you, including benefits, risks, recovery, and alternatives.
Where appropriate, you may also be invited to take part in research or clinical trials. Research helps improve care for current and future patients. Taking part is always voluntary and will not affect your care if you choose not to participate.
Further trusted information and support is available from Macmillan Cancer Support
Endometrial (womb) cancer
Surgery is the main treatment for most endometrial cancers.
Surgical treatment commonly includes:
- Removal of the uterus and cervix (hysterectomy)
- Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Assessment of lymph nodes and surrounding tissues to determine whether the cancer has spread
For many people with early-stage disease, surgery alone can be curative. In higher-risk or more advanced cases, surgery may be followed by additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Ovarian cancer
Surgery plays a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Operations may involve:
- Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Removal of the uterus if appropriate
- Removal of the omentum (a fatty layer in the abdomen)
- Removal of visible tumour deposits and assessment of disease spread
In advanced ovarian cancer, surgery may be planned after chemotherapy (interval cytoreductive surgery) to maximise the chance of removing all visible disease. The timing and extent of surgery are tailored to the individual.
Cervical cancer
The type of surgery for cervical cancer depends on the size and stage of the cancer and, in some cases, fertility considerations.
Surgical options may include:
- Small procedures to remove very early cancers
- Fertility-preserving surgery in selected cases
- Radical surgery to remove the cervix, uterus, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes
For early-stage cervical cancer, surgery alone may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, surgery may be combined with other treatments.
Vulval cancer
Surgery is the main treatment for most vulval cancers and aims to remove the cancer with a margin of healthy tissue.
Procedures may include:
- Removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue
- Removal of part or all of the vulva, depending on tumour size and location
- Removal of lymph nodes in the groin to assess spread
Reconstructive surgery may be performed at the same time to support healing and function.
Vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is uncommon. Surgery may be used in selected cases, depending on the size, location, and stage of the cancer.
Treatment planning is individual and may involve surgery alone or in combination with other treatments. Decisions are made by the multidisciplinary team and discussed carefully with you.
A note about research
Our department is research-active. You may be asked whether you would like to take part in research or a clinical trial at different points during your care.
Research participation:
- Is always optional
- Can be declined or withdrawn from at any time
- Does not affect your standard care
If you are interested, please ask a member of your clinical team.
