Preventative surgery
Preventive, or prophylactic, surgery involves removing organs or tissue that have a high risk of developing cancer, even though they are not cancerous. This procedure is recommended for individuals with a strong family history of cancer or known genetic mutations, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
Common types of preventive surgery
➔Prophylactic mastectomy: It is the Surgical removal of one or both breasts to drastically reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is often recommended for individuals with a high risk due to genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
➔Prophylactic oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries, and sometimes the fallopian tubes, to lower the risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. This can also reduce the risk of breast cancer by lowering estrogen levels.
➔Colon polyp removal: The removal of precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy to prevent the development of colon cancer.
➔Other surgeries: Other preventive surgeries can include removal of the stomach, thyroid, or other organs that have a high-risk genetic component for developing cancer.
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