Removal of the fallopian tubes, a procedure known as opportunistic salpingectomy, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, according to a consensus statement from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), a nonprofit research and advocacy group based in New York. can help
This statement was endorsed by the Society of Gynecological Oncology.
According to an OCRA report, “Seventy percent of the most common and fatal ovarian cancers begin in the fallopian tubes.”
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“Research shows that removing the fallopian tubes during other pelvic surgeries like hysterectomy or tubal ligation, and keeping the ovaries intact, can prevent ovarian cancer,” she also said.
“Over the last 10+ years, there has been data suggesting that the original location of the fallopian tube may be the same,” says Dr. Deanna Gerber, an obstetrician-gynecologist at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center-Long Island, New York. Can. Many ovarian cancers.”
“Over the past 10+ years, there has been data that has suggested that the fallopian tubes may be the site of origin for many ovarian cancers.” (iStock)
“If this is the case, removing the fallopian tubes will greatly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer,” she added.
In its report, OCRA discussed the challenge of finding an effective tool for early disease detection.
“We need to think more about prevention.”
“Without an early diagnostic test — and important research showing that, in most cases, detecting ovarian cancer 18-24 months earlier, before symptoms start, does not improve mortality — we are left with such strategies. The focus should be on which what work and can affect real change and save lives,” the group said on its website.
Although there is still no cure for ovarian cancer, there are prevention strategies, the group said.
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The idea of removing the fallopian tubes — the hollow tubes that serve as a passageway for eggs to travel to the uterus — is one such strategy.
“Ovarian cancer screening, even in high-risk populations, does not work,” said Dr. Stephanie V. Blank, director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Health System.
Health experts said it’s important for people to talk to their doctor about their family history and their potential risks. (iStock)
She is also the director of women’s health at Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center at Mount Sinai in New York City.
“We need to think more about prevention,” he said. “Opportunistic salpingectomy is not a new concept, but OCRA is raising awareness.”
Experts have been working to identify an effective screening test for ovarian cancer but have been unsuccessful.
Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed when it’s already metastatic, Dr. Blank said.
A large British clinical trial that used blood tests and scans to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage showed that the screening tests did not reduce ovarian cancer deaths.
Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed when it’s already metastatic, Blank said.
Dr. Blank, professor of gynecologic oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said that patients who have had children and are undergoing gynecologic surgery for another problem should consider the surgery. can reduce the risk of their growth. Ovarian cancer.
“People with an increased risk of ovarian cancer due to a genetic mutation who are not yet ready to have both their tubes and ovaries removed, may benefit from risk-reducing salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy,” noted Blank. may consider” (removal of one or both ovaries).
Genetic tests are available to determine if someone is at risk. (iStock)
Twenty percent of ovarian cancers are caused by a genetic mutation, OCRA notes. On its website, it notes that it is important to know one’s risk as well as prophylactic options in the event of a gene mutation.
Genetic tests are available to determine whether someone is at risk, Blank said. At-risk individuals include those with mutations in genes associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer—most commonly BRCA 1 or 2, but there are others—the Lynch-related genes, RAD51 C and D, PALB2, BRIP1.
Health experts said it’s important to discuss family history and potential risk with a doctor.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States.
For people with the gene mutation, removal of the fallopian tubes may be a way to reduce the chances of developing the disease, according to experts.
“We believe that most of the ‘ovarian’ cancers associated with most of these mutations actually originate in the tubes,” Blank said.
Blank, who is also the director of women’s health at the Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center at Mount Sinai in New York City, said that removing the fallopian tubes theoretically reduces the risk of menopause, which can result from surgical removal of the ovaries. can
“Removal of the ovaries causes menopause, and not all people who want and need to take steps to reduce their cancer risk are ready to go through menopause at such a young age (BRC (recommend 35-49 for A1 and 40-45 for BRCA2),” she says.
“Removing the tubes theoretically reduces the risk without menopause,” he added.
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“Anyone with fallopian tubes or ovaries is technically at risk. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in the general population is 1-2,” Gerber said of those at risk for ovarian cancer. occurs between %. In women with a BRCA mutation, this risk may be as high as 45%.”
The most important tip, Gerber said, is to know one’s family history well and share it with the medical team.
Gerber said people need to be their own advocates — no one should be afraid to ask a health care provider about genetic testing and removal of the fallopian tubes.
“Your provider can tell you if this is indicated for you,” Gerber said.
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States.
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