Why does uterine cancer recur six months after removal

One year after surgical treatment of uterine cancer, if the tumor is enlarged during follow-up examination, it is a recurrence of uterine cancer. If the patient is in good physical condition, local radiotherapy can be considered. The total recurrence rate of endometrial cancer is generally 10-20%, and most patients relapse within three years. If there is no recurrence within five years of treatment, the possibility of recurrence in the future is very small.

There are two types of recurrence of endometrial cancer. One is local recurrence, such as the reappearance of cancer in the vagina and pelvis after hysterectomy; the other is systemic recurrence, that is, tumors found in any part of the body after treatment. Vaginal recurrence is the most common site, with an incidence of 2% to 30%, and the pelvic recurrence rate is about 3%. Since endometrial cancer may recur within three years after treatment, it is necessary to conduct regular follow-up after treatment of endometrial cancer.

Most patients are re-examined every three to four months; every six months for the next three years; and annually thereafter. Follow-up visits include medical history, gynecological examination, Pap smear, breast examination, and CA-125 test. Patients with very high CA-125 values ​​at initial diagnosis need to be tested every six months. Patients with persistently high values ​​during re-examinations need prompt treatment.