Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDetermining Your RiskFrequent SymptomsInfrequent SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Determining Your Risk
Frequent Symptoms
Infrequent Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Provider
It is possible to get gynecologic cancergynecologic cancerafter ahysterectomy(surgery to remove your uterus). However, the risk depends on the type of hysterectomy you have, including whether it’s a partial or total hysterectomy.
If you’ve had a hysterectomy and have any warning signs ofovarian cancer, check with your healthcare provider. These signs could also point to primaryperitoneal cancer, a type of cancer with similar symptoms to ovarian cancer.
This article will discuss how to determine the risk for cancer after hysterectomy. It also covers signs of cancer as well as the complications and risks of hysterectomies.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Your risk for developing cancer after surgery depends on thetype of hysterectomyyou had, which may include:
Though studies show it’s less likely that you will develop ovarian cancer if your ovaries are removed, it’s still possible.
Even if your ovaries are removed, you can develop primary peritoneal cancer, a cancer that starts in the covering that lines the abdominal organs.This type of cancer mimics ovarian cancer, causes similar symptoms, and is treated the same way.
If your cervix or fallopian tubes are removed, your risk of ovarian cancer is significantly reduced.
If you had a hysterectomy as a treatment for cancer, you should know that your cancer can still come back. This is called a recurrence.
Lower Risk of Ovarian CancerMost women who’ve had a hysterectomy for reasons that don’t involve cancer (such as for fibroids) have a low likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, even in cases in which the ovaries are kept. It’s less than a one in 70 lifetime risk.Research has suggested that some cases of ovarian cancer may start in thefallopian tubes, so removing them may decrease your risk.
Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Most women who’ve had a hysterectomy for reasons that don’t involve cancer (such as for fibroids) have a low likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, even in cases in which the ovaries are kept. It’s less than a one in 70 lifetime risk.Research has suggested that some cases of ovarian cancer may start in thefallopian tubes, so removing them may decrease your risk.
Signs of ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer may not appear until the disease is advanced. Early symptoms are often broad and not very specific, but they may include:
It may be difficult to recognize these as symptoms of cancer, because they mimic symptoms of other illnesses as well.
As the disease progresses, fluid may build up in the abdomen, causing belly discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath.
Spotting Symptoms of Ovarian CancerSymptoms of ovarian cancer often overlap with other, noncancerous diseases. While it may be challenging to tell the difference, ovarian cancer signs tend to be persistent.They also might occur more frequently or be more severe. Let your healthcare provider know if these symptoms persist.
Spotting Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer often overlap with other, noncancerous diseases. While it may be challenging to tell the difference, ovarian cancer signs tend to be persistent.They also might occur more frequently or be more severe. Let your healthcare provider know if these symptoms persist.
Less Common Symptoms
Other, less common symptoms of ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer include:
Care After HysterectomyYou’ll still need to undergo regular examinations after having a hysterectomy. Though there’s no routine screening for ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend certain tests, like a pelvic exam, blood tests, or imaging tests if cancer is suspected.
Care After Hysterectomy
You’ll still need to undergo regular examinations after having a hysterectomy. Though there’s no routine screening for ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend certain tests, like a pelvic exam, blood tests, or imaging tests if cancer is suspected.
Cancer that develops after a hysterectomy can cause various complications. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain therapies to help you manage these side effects.
Complications of Cancer
If ovarian cancer spreads to different parts of the body, it can cause complications, including:
Complications of Hysterectomy
Like all surgeries, a hysterectomy poses risks. Some potential complications include:
Other Issues to Watch ForMany women with ovarian cancer notice a difference in their sexual function or sex drive.Depressionis also a common issue.
Other Issues to Watch For
Many women with ovarian cancer notice a difference in their sexual function or sex drive.Depressionis also a common issue.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
As a general rule, see your healthcare provider anytime you develop any unusual problems that don’t go away or become severe.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you see your physician if you experience symptoms associated with ovarian cancer more than 12 times a month.
Your healthcare provider may perform certain tests to check for cancer or rule out other conditions.
Summary
Though the risk is low, you can still develop ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer after a hysterectomy. Symptoms of these diseases often don’t appear until the cancer is advanced, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual or persistent problems. Early treatment for ovarian cancer is vital, so don’t hesitate to see your physician if you’re concerned about a particular symptom.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moffitt Cancer Center.Can you get ovarian cancer after hysterectomy?National Cancer Institute.Primary peritoneal cancer.Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.Can a hysterectomy prevent cancer?American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.Cedars Sinai Medical Center.Peritoneal cancer.Herrinton LJ, Neslund-Dudas C, Rolnick SJ, et al.Complications at the end of life in ovarian cancer.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007;34(3):237-243. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.11.011National Health Service.Complications: hysterectomy.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moffitt Cancer Center.Can you get ovarian cancer after hysterectomy?National Cancer Institute.Primary peritoneal cancer.Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.Can a hysterectomy prevent cancer?American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.Cedars Sinai Medical Center.Peritoneal cancer.Herrinton LJ, Neslund-Dudas C, Rolnick SJ, et al.Complications at the end of life in ovarian cancer.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007;34(3):237-243. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.11.011National Health Service.Complications: hysterectomy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Can you get ovarian cancer after hysterectomy?National Cancer Institute.Primary peritoneal cancer.Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.Can a hysterectomy prevent cancer?American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.Cedars Sinai Medical Center.Peritoneal cancer.Herrinton LJ, Neslund-Dudas C, Rolnick SJ, et al.Complications at the end of life in ovarian cancer.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007;34(3):237-243. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.11.011National Health Service.Complications: hysterectomy.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Can you get ovarian cancer after hysterectomy?
National Cancer Institute.Primary peritoneal cancer.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.Can a hysterectomy prevent cancer?
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Cedars Sinai Medical Center.Peritoneal cancer.
Herrinton LJ, Neslund-Dudas C, Rolnick SJ, et al.Complications at the end of life in ovarian cancer.J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007;34(3):237-243. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.11.011
National Health Service.Complications: hysterectomy.
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