PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any form of cancer that attacks the female reproductive system. The major issue is that warning signs are vague and they are often detected late in the cancer’s progression.
This is why genetic testing to determine who is at highest risk is so important. Women who have high-risk genes often turn to removal of the ovaries. For some, another procedure, called opportunistic salpingectomy — that is, removal of the fallopian tubes — is an option.
The fallopian tubes are the path from either ovary to the uterus. In cases where a woman is having a hysterectomy, the tubes can be removed as well.
If you are at high risk for ovarian cancer, there are many paths to take — surgical and non surgical — and a conversation with your gynecologist can help guide you.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.