Fallopian tube removal may reduce your risk while also delaying menopause<\/p>\n
Women with certain<\/a> genetic mutations are often counseled to have their ovaries removed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. But there can be downsides. Having your ovaries removed will put you immediately into surgical menopause \u2014 and bring the concerns that come with it: hot flashes, mood swings<\/a>, bone loss, sexual dysfunction<\/a>, and in the long term, heart disease<\/a> and even cognitive deficits<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fortunately, a growing body of evidence indicates that the most common type of what we now call ovarian cancer often starts out in the fallopian tubes. So, removing the fallopian tubes<\/a> may offer a risk-reduction benefit. That\u2019s why UT MD Anderson has several clinical trials<\/a> underway to explore the benefits of salpingectomies without oopherectomies<\/a> \u2014 in women at both high risk and average risk.<\/p>\n \u201cI think going through menopause early is a big cost,\u201d says Wilke. \u201cThis allows women to get what we hope is ovarian cancer prevention, but not at the expense of going into menopause so early.\u201d<\/p>\n An oncofertility consultation may ease your fears about family building<\/p>\n A cancer diagnosis at any age can be unnerving. But if you haven\u2019t started a family yet \u2014 and you want to \u2014 safeguarding your fertility<\/a> may also be a concern.<\/p>\n Fortunately, UT MD Anderson has an Oncofertility Clinic<\/a> on-site at its Texas Medical Center Campus<\/a>. It is staffed by two reproductive medicine specialists: Terri Woodard, M.D.<\/a>, and Laurie McKenzie, M.D<\/a>. They routinely evaluate patients with all types of cancer \u2014 not just ovarian \u2014 and help them explore fertility preserving options before starting treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of people might not know this,\u201d adds Jazaeri, \u201cbut sometimes, cervical cancer<\/a> and certain types of ovarian and endometrial (uterine) cancer<\/a> can be successfully treated without the loss of fertility.\u201d<\/p>\n To hear the full conversation between Jazaeri and Wilke, listen to UT MD Anderson’s Cancerwise podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n