Hysterectomy Before Ovarian Cancer

[msbert828]

I have 2 generations of ovarian cancer, my mother and grandmother both died during their 50's of this cancer.  My doctor has told me that if I have a hysterectomy now, then as long as my ovaries came back clean from pathology, he could guarantee 100% that I would not get ovarian cancer.  Is this correct, and should I consider this surgery.  I am 32, married and have 2 children.  I am done having kids, so the lack of the organs is not a problem for me.  Also, my sister, who is 44, has just been told that she has a large mass on one of her ovaries, and is going for further testing today.  Please help me to find the right answer in what I should do...thank you, Kelly.

[msbert828]

Thanks Chelan for the information.  I will take it and apply it to my next dr visit on Monday.  I will keep you informed of what the dr tells me regarding my test results and also of my decision.  Thanks again - Kelly

[Chelan]

Hi, I'm sorry that your sister's going through some difficult times.

Although rare I have heard of women who have been diagonsed with ovarian cancer after having a hysterectomy.  There is a possibility that there are ovarian cells left behind after surgery.  Also, there is a type of cancer called primary peritional cancer that behaves and is treated like ovarian cancer and it usually effects those that have had hysterectomies.  Check the john hopkins website - it has lots of good info.

If you do decide on the surgery, because of your high risk with previous relatives and this disease, you should still make sure to have regular checkups with your gyn and let him/her know of your family history.  Listen to your body and be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Take care.
Chelan