Will Hysterectomy Eliminate Cervical Inflammation and Cancer Risks?

Q: Will Hysterectomy Eliminate Cervical Inflammation and Cancer Risks?

1. <br>There are two methods for hysterectomy： total hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus along with the cervix, and subtotal hysterectomy, which preserves the cervix. <br>In the case of total hysterectomy, since the cervix is removed, there will be no ri

After a hysterectomy, will there still be a risk of cervical inflammation or cervical cancer?

Hello Dr.
Jan,
I would like to ask about my mother (48 years old) who is scheduled to undergo laparoscopic surgery to remove her uterine fibroids along with her uterus.
During her visits to the gynecologist, she has been informed that she has cervical inflammation, which has been quite concerning for us.
Therefore, we decided to remove both the uterus and the fibroids this time.

1.
Will removing the uterus eliminate the issues of cervical inflammation and the risk of cervical cancer?
2.
When the uterus is removed, is the cervix also removed?
3.
Is there a hereditary component to cervical inflammation or cervical cancer in medical diagnoses? (My grandmother also had symptoms of stage zero cervical cancer.)
4.
Will removing the uterus accelerate aging? Will she need to take hormones?
Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/12/30

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
There are two methods for hysterectomy: total hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus along with the cervix, and subtotal hysterectomy, which preserves the cervix.
In the case of total hysterectomy, since the cervix is removed, there will be no risk of cervical inflammation or cervical cancer.
However, if the cervix is retained, there is still a possibility of developing cervical cancer and cervical inflammation.

2.
Cancer can have a hereditary component; certain families may have genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to cancer.

3.
Hysterectomy does not accelerate aging; hormone replacement therapy is only necessary if the ovaries are also removed.

Reply Date: 2003/12/30

More Info

Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is often performed for various medical reasons, including the presence of uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, or cervical inflammation. In your mother's case, it seems that the decision to undergo a hysterectomy is motivated by both the presence of fibroids and ongoing cervical inflammation. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Will removing the uterus eliminate cervical inflammation and cancer risks?
Yes, a hysterectomy will eliminate the uterus and, depending on the type of hysterectomy performed, may also remove the cervix. If the cervix is removed (as in a total hysterectomy), then the risk of cervical inflammation and cervical cancer is effectively eliminated. However, if a subtotal or partial hysterectomy is performed, where the cervix is left intact, the risk of cervical issues may still persist. It’s important to discuss with the surgeon the specific type of hysterectomy being performed and its implications for cervical health.

2. Does removing the uterus also remove the cervix?
This depends on the type of hysterectomy performed. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of both the uterus and the cervix, while a subtotal (or partial) hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact. If your mother is concerned about cervical inflammation or cancer, a total hysterectomy would be the more definitive approach.

3. Is cervical inflammation or cervical cancer hereditary?
While cervical cancer itself is not directly hereditary, certain risk factors can have a genetic component. For instance, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and while HPV is not hereditary, a family history of cervical cancer may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain risk factors. Additionally, conditions that lead to chronic inflammation may have familial patterns, but the direct inheritance of cervical cancer is not established. It is advisable for your mother to discuss her family history with her healthcare provider to assess any potential risks.

4. Will removing the uterus accelerate aging, and will hormone therapy be needed?
The removal of the uterus itself does not accelerate aging. However, if the ovaries are also removed during the hysterectomy (a procedure known as oophorectomy), this can lead to immediate menopause, which may result in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. In such cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended to alleviate these symptoms and provide hormonal balance. If the ovaries are preserved, your mother may not require HRT, but this is a decision best made in consultation with her healthcare provider.

In summary, a hysterectomy can effectively eliminate the risks associated with cervical inflammation and cervical cancer, particularly if the cervix is removed. It is crucial for your mother to have a thorough discussion with her healthcare provider about the type of hysterectomy being performed, the implications for her health, and any necessary follow-up care or hormone therapy. This will help ensure that she makes an informed decision and understands the potential outcomes of her surgery.

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