UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
S. Diane Yamada, MD, and Mary Zirino, endometrial cancer survivor.
Gynecologic oncologist S. Diane Yamada, MD, left, with endometrial cancer survivor Mary Zirino.

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in women in the United States and affects more than 60,000 women annually. The number of cases of uterine cancer and the number of deaths from uterine cancer are increasing in the United States, making research to reverse this trend critical. Our multidisciplinary women's cancer team at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center works together to provide compassionate and tailored care for women facing a diagnosis of uterine cancer. We have years of experience in providing the best surgical and medical care for patients with all stages of uterine cancer. Since not all uterine cancers are the same, we can assist you and your family to better understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

Options for Uterine Cancer Treatment

Most women with uterine cancer will require surgery and our gynecologic oncologists are experts in minimally invasive, robot-assisted or open surgery, which includes hysterectomy, lymph node dissection and other tumor staging procedures. Our team has expertise in performing safe and successful minimally invasive surgery for women who are overweight and obese or those with other complex medical conditions. Our surgeons also offer sentinel lymph node dissection using the latest robotic and laparoscopic technology to minimize surgical side effects, including lymphedema. For advanced uterine cancer, we offer radical surgery and debulking (removing as much of the tumor as possible) for select patients as part of their treatment plan.

Our radiation oncologists use the latest technologies, including tailored radiation treatment, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), to fully target the tumor area while better sparing normal nearby tissue. This reduces the side effects experienced by patients receiving radiation for uterine cancer.

In addition to the most common type of uterine cancer — endometrioid adenocarcinoma — we have expertise in the management of early and advanced stage high-risk endometrial cancer and sarcomas including:

  • Serous carcinoma of the uterus
  • Clear cell carcinoma of the uterus
  • Uterine carcinosarcoma, also known as malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT)
  • Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
  • Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS)

Why Choose Us for Uterine Cancer Care?

Recognized as a Leader in Cancer and Gynecologic Care

We are designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute — one of only two in Illinois. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UChicago Medicine's cancer program among the top in the United States. Several of our faculty are recognized annually by Chicago magazine as Top Cancer Doctors.

Our Women's Cancer Team

Our team includes highly trained specialists with deep expertise in all aspects of women’s cancer care, including the treatment of uterine cancer. They offer a broad range of treatments and areas of care, often partnering with other experts to fully address the needs and concerns of our patients.

Because communication among cancer specialists is vital, the entire team meets weekly at a multidisciplinary tumor board to share information and insights — leading to the most effective, and often groundbreaking, treatments for our patients.

Leading Research

UChicago Medicine's Comprehensive Cancer Center is a leader in the research and treatment of gynecological cancers, including uterine cancer. Our team is engaged in diverse areas of research including novel chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy clinical trials, high-risk uterine cancer treatment and surveillance, treatment for patients who can’t have surgery and healthy lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and survivorship. 

Clinical trials are important to helping us develop new, effective, and safe practices for gynecologic cancer treatment. Watch this video from our partners at the Society for Gynecologic Oncology to learn more about clinical trials.

Care Close to Home

In addition to our clinics throughout the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area, our gynecologic oncologists sometimes operate at other hospitals to provide surgical care closer to home. This is all dependent upon clinical complexity among other factors. Virtual visits may also be available.
 
Learn more and book an appointment or receive a second opinion with one of our gynecologic oncologists.

A high-performing hospital for uterine cancer surgery, according to US News and World Report

High Performing in Uterine Cancer Surgery

According to U.S. New & World Report's 2023-2024 rankings, the University of Chicago Medical Center is high performing in uterine cancer surgery.

Learn More

Convenient Locations for Gynecologic Oncology Care

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For your convenience, you can make a virtual visit appointment with a cancer expert in the following ways:

Schedule a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home

Request an online second opinion from our specialists

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.
S. Diane Yamada, MD, and Ernst Lengyel, MD, gynecologic oncologists

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.

researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Clinical Trial

UChicago Medicine uterine cancer experts are actively conducting clinical trials of new and promising treatments.

Young black female patient talking with doctor or nurse

Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Clinic

Our cancer prevention experts provide comprehensive and personalized care for women at elevated risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer and ovarian cancer.