Can You Still Get Ovarian Cancer After Hysterectomy?

Yes, it is possible to develop ovarian cancer after hysterectomy.

The hysterectomies are of different types namely partial hysterectomy, total hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy.

Total Hysterectomy: The total hysterectomy involves removal of uterus with the cervix and ovaries left intact.

Partial Hysterectomy: The partial hysterectomy involves removal of uterus and the ovaries are left behind.

Radical Hysterectomy: The radical hysterectomy involves removal of uterus, cervix, and tissues on both sides of cervix and upper part of vagina.

In all the above hysterectomy surgeries, there is a chance the subject may develop ovarian cancer as the ovaries are intact.

The total hysterectomy along with salpingo-oophorectomy, which is the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries, minimizes the chances of ovarian cancer. There is a chance of developing cancer from the peritoneum as both ovaries and the peritoneum develop from the same origin during the embryonic development. Since the ovaries are close to peritoneum there is chance of the spread of cancer from peritoneum.

Some of the common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer include: abdominal bloating, trouble eating, fatigue, frequent urination, back pain, painful intercourse and constipation.

Pelvic Examination: Pelvic examination helps in diagnosis of ovarian cancer as it can be detected in early stages with this exam.

PAP Smear: This is not the diagnostic test for ovarian cancers, but usually a PAP smear can helps in diagnosing ovarian cancer in advanced stages.

Trans-vaginal Ultrasound: This helps in the diagnosis as it gives a clear picture of uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

CA-125 Blood Test: This test measures the total value of CA-125 in blood. These values are high in the people suffering from ovarian cancer and hence help with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer after hysterectomy.

Ovarian cancer is a rare form of cancer, higher in people with specific gene mutations. It is possible to prevent ovarian cancer by performing a prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy along with hysterectomy, where in the ovaries are removed prophylactically. The patient can still be predisposed to ovarian cancer if there is genetic predisposition to BRCA genes. These women are also prone for breast cancers, so removing the ovaries in these women prior to menopause lowers the risk of hormone positive breast cancers.

The gynecologist uses a combination of tests to monitor the patient with ovarian cancer namely physical examinations, blood tests, monitoring of CA-125 levels and diagnostic imaging need to be performed routinely post hysterectomy and ovarian cancer.

Also Read:

• Ascites in Ovarian Cancer Patients
• 10 Likely Treatment Complications in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
• Prolonged Indigestion? It could be Ovarian Cancer!

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