Vaginal treatment is directed to the top of the vagina. Cells from the uterine cancer can potentially stick here and grow at the top of the vagina, called the “vaginal cuff.” This growth may be prevented by treatment of the vaginal cuff with radiation.
Whole pelvic radiation therapy treats the pelvis—the area where the pelvic nodes are and also where the tissue next to the uterus is. This treatment will prevent recurrence in these areas. Sometimes the radiation doctor may also elect to treat the lymph nodes along the aorta and vena cava, called the paraaortic lymph nodes.
Joan said:
This is a big puzzle and the question everyone in my family asked too. Isn’t it empty space now? It seemed weird that with everything taken out during surgery there was anything left to address. I’m sure this question is asked of every oncologist by every patient. It isn’t a “hole” but filled with cells and tissue that you need to keep healthy.