A 38-year-old member asked:
can you get ovarian cancer after a hysterectomy?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Devon Webster answered
22 years experience Medical Oncology
Yes: "hysterectomy " technically means removal of the uterus, not the ovaries and the uterus. A bso (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) means removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Even if the ovaries have been removed, there is a very small chance that ovarian cancer can develop from cells that line the abdominal cavity. This chance is much less than 1 in 100.
Answered on Apr 11, 2016
1
1 comment
4
4 thanks
Dr. Michael Thompson commented
20 years experience Hematology and Oncology
I agree with Dr. Webster, and this is likely getting too detailed for HT, but cells similar to (related to development in the embryo) ovarian cells may be in the peritoneum (abdominal lining). A cancer of those cells is called primary peritoneal carcinoma and is treated similar to ovarian cancer.
Dec 16, 2011
Dr. John Kirk answered
27 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yes: A hysterectomy and even tubal ligation appear to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer significantly. It does not eliminate the risk. Even when taking out the ovaries during hysterectomy, a remnant may remain behind and grow into ovarian cancer. Also the lining of the inside of the abdomen called peritoneum may grow to a similar disease to ovarian cancer.
Answered on Jun 18, 2015
2
2 thanks
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Related questions:
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sewa Legha answered
50 years experience Medical Oncology
Yes you can: Hysterectomy, is removal of the uterus: ovaries are separate glands lying next to the uterus. Often they are removed at the time of hysterectomy, but ... Read More
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Pranikoff answered
34 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rare if no ovaries: The term complete hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus and cervix and not the ovaries. The term "complete hysterectomy" is often misused to im ... Read More
2
2 thanks
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Elizebeth HARMON answered
37 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yes: If you still have ovaries you can get cancer. Hysterectomy is removal of the uterus not the ovaries.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Gerard Honore answered
29 years experience Fertility Medicine
Yes: Although its extremely rare, and usually involves an ovarian remnant.
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
People also searched for:
Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute!
24/7 visits
$15 per month