The short answer: Stage 1 endometrial cancer (womb cancer, bachedani ka cancer, बच्चेदानी का कैंसर) means the cancer is still inside the womb (uterus) and has not spread outside it. It is often found early because of bleeding after menopause, and most women at this stage are treated with the aim of cure. For most women, the main treatment is an operation to remove the womb and cervix, both fallopian tubes and usually both ovaries, together with a check of the first lymph nodes (glands) the cancer would drain to, called sentinel lymph node mapping. For most early womb cancers this operation can be done by keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic surgery. Some women need no further treatment after surgery; others are advised radiotherapy or other treatment, depending on the final report. The right plan depends on the type and grade of the cancer, how deeply it has grown into the womb muscle, your general health and whether you hope to have children.
On this page
- What this stage means
- Recommended treatment pathway
- Adjuvant therapy
- Outlook and survival data
- Booking
- FAQs
What does this stage mean?
Stage 1 endometrial cancer is confined to the womb (uterus). In the widely used FIGO staging system it is divided into two groups:
- Stage 1A: the cancer is only in the womb lining or has grown less than halfway into the womb muscle (myometrial invasion).
- Stage 1B: the cancer has grown halfway or more into the womb muscle, but has not spread beyond the womb.
The final stage is confirmed only after surgery, when the removed womb and lymph nodes are examined under the microscope. Along with the stage, the report describes the type and grade of cancer, whether cancer cells are seen in small blood or lymph vessels (lymphovascular space invasion, LVSI) and, increasingly, molecular test results. A newer 2023 version of the FIGO system also uses the cancer type and molecular results, so your report may show slightly different sub-stages; ask your doctor to explain yours. Together, these findings decide whether any treatment is needed after surgery.
For broader information, see our guide to endometrial cancer, our overview of uterine cancer care and our page on robotic surgery.
Recommended treatment pathway
For most women, treatment starts with surgery: removal of the womb and cervix (total hysterectomy), both fallopian tubes and usually both ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), together with sentinel lymph node mapping. In sentinel node mapping, a dye is injected into the cervix during the operation and the first lymph nodes it reaches are removed and examined in detail, so most women do not need all their pelvic lymph nodes removed. If the dye does not show a node on one side, the surgeon may remove some nodes from that side instead.
For most early womb cancers, the operation can be done by keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic surgery. This usually means smaller cuts, less pain and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery. Large studies of early endometrial cancer (such as the LAP2 and LACE trials, which reported long-term results between 2012 and 2017) found similar cancer results with keyhole and open surgery. Open surgery may still be the better choice for some women, for example with a very large womb, a lot of previous surgery or certain other health problems. Our page comparing uterine cancer surgery options explains the differences. This is different from cervical cancer, where open surgery remains the standard for most women.
Younger women with a very early, low-grade (grade 1) endometrioid cancer who strongly wish to have children may, in selected cases, be offered hormone treatment first instead of surgery, with a repeat biopsy about every 3 months. This is not suitable for everyone and is discussed in detail beforehand.
Adjuvant therapy
Whether you need more treatment after surgery depends on the final report, not on the stage number alone. Doctors group women by the risk of the cancer coming back:
- Low risk (for example, stage 1A, low grade, no LVSI): usually no further treatment, only regular follow-up.
- Intermediate risk: often internal radiotherapy to the top of the vagina (vaginal brachytherapy); for some women, follow-up alone may be reasonable.
- High-intermediate or high risk: external radiotherapy (sikai), with or without chemotherapy, may be advised.
Molecular tests on the tumour (such as POLE, mismatch repair (MMR) and p53) are increasingly used to refine this decision. Your team will explain which group you are in and why.
Outlook
Most women with stage 1 endometrial cancer do well: published series report 5-year survival above 90% for stage 1 disease. Your own outlook depends on the type and grade of the cancer, how deeply it has grown into the womb muscle (myometrial invasion), whether cancer cells are seen in small vessels (LVSI) and molecular markers; these same findings decide whether treatment after surgery is needed.
External authoritative reference: NCCN Guidelines and ESGO Recommendations.
Booking
For an individualised treatment plan, share your reports on WhatsApp (+91 76988 00333) or book an appointment. Second opinions are available for patients already under care elsewhere.
FAQs
Where is stage 1 endometrial cancer treatment performed in Ahmedabad?
Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel treats this disease stage at Sterling Hospitals (Sindhubhavan), KD Hospital, and Welcare Speciality Hospital in Ahmedabad. The hospital is chosen based on the specific procedure needed and patient preference.
What is the typical hospital stay?
After keyhole or robotic surgery for early womb cancer, the hospital stay is typically about 3–4 days; it is usually longer after open surgery. If radiotherapy is advised afterwards, it is usually given as outpatient treatment.
Is stage 1 endometrial cancer curable?
Many women with stage 1 endometrial cancer are cured with surgery alone, or with surgery followed by radiotherapy. The chance depends on the type and grade of the cancer, how deeply it has grown, whether there is LVSI, and your general health. Your doctor can explain what your own report means.
Is robotic surgery safe for womb cancer?
For most early endometrial cancers, yes. Large studies found that keyhole surgery gave similar cancer results to open surgery, with a quicker recovery. It is not right for everyone, and the choice is made after an examination and scans. This is different from cervical cancer, where open surgery is the standard for most women.
What is the likely outcome?
5-year survival above 90% for Stage 1 disease. Risk stratification (grade, depth of invasion, LVSI, molecular markers) determines adjuvant treatment. Outcomes are stage-dependent and individual; the figures above are averages from published series.
Is fertility preservation possible?
Sometimes. For selected young women with a very early (stage 1A), grade 1 endometrioid cancer that has not grown into the womb muscle on MRI, hormone treatment with close monitoring (a repeat biopsy about every 3 months) may be offered instead of surgery at first. Surgery is usually advised later, once the family is complete or if the cancer does not respond. See our page on fertility-preserving treatment.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding?
Yes. Share your reports on WhatsApp (+91 76988 00333). Dr. Nishtha provides independent review of stage, pathology, imaging and proposed treatment within 24-48 hours.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.