Skip to content

Prophylactic oophorectomy or hysterectomy?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Sarah: I was diagnosed a year and a half ago with hormone-positive breast cancer and went through dose-dense treatment, etc. Now I have found out that I am positive for the BRCA2 mutation. I am making plans to have a prophylactic oophorectomy and hope to have it done laparoscopically [through a belly-button incision]. Is it enough to just get the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed or should I consider a full hysterectomy?
Answer —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: Generally, we recommend the removal of ovaries and tubes and a thorough evaluation by the surgeon. A hysterectomy is not routinely recommended although for some women this is preferred. Again, this needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis, but it is not necessarily done routinely.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.