• Let's Chat
  • Contact Form
× Send

Risk Reduction Surgery for Ovarian Cancer in Endometriosis Patients: What You Need to Know

Did you know that endometriosis is one of the few disease precursors to ovarian cancer? Learn about the risks, new research, and strategies for risk-reduction surgery that could help protect your future.

Endometriosis is one of the few known disease precursors to ovarian cancer. This information is not meant to alarm patients but to inform them about the importance of close monitoring and making informed choices for their future health.

Initially, studies indicated a 3-4 fold increase in ovarian cancer risk for patients with pathology-proven endometriosis. To put this in perspective, the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in the general population is 1 in 87. For endometriosis patients, it was previously estimated at 1 in 50.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 8-10 individuals born with a uterus (approximately 11% of the population). Comparatively, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women.

More recent studies estimate a significantly higher ovarian cancer risk in patients with deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), with an 18-19 fold increase. This new data may lead to recommendations for risk-reducing surgeries, such as salpingectomy, similar to those for BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Even without the recent findings, we recommend yearly follow-up with your gynecologist and pelvic imaging every 1-2 years, although this is not ACOG-endorsed. This guidance comes from Dr. G’s extensive experience managing endometriosis patients and observing disease progression.

Early salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes) combined with endometriosis excision can be an effective risk-reduction strategy.


References:

Barnard ME, Farland LV, Yan B, et al. Endometriosis Typology and Ovarian Cancer Risk. JAMA. Published online July 17, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.9210

Kahn RM, Stone RL, Long Roche KC. Salpingectomy and Ovarian Cancer Prevention—Reply. JAMA Surg. 2024;159(4):470. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2023.7773

Share this post:

Explore more:

The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery_Expert Insights from ESSE Care
Inside the OR: The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery 
Endometriomas can cause serious pain, fertility issues, and long-term damage if left untreated. This behind-the-scenes look from ESSE Care reveals why expert surgery matters—and what patients need to know...
Read More
When and How to Find an Endometriosis Excision Specialist | ESSE Care
When and How to Seek an Endometriosis Excision Specialist 
Struggling with unexplained pelvic pain or infertility? Learn when to seek an endometriosis excision specialist, why expert care matters, and how to advocate for the treatment you deserve.
Read More
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Your Endometriosis Symptoms 
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Your Endometriosis Symptoms 
Think it’s “just period pain”? It might be more. Discover the overlooked signs of endometriosis—and why so many patients are left in the dark.
Read More
The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery_Expert Insights from ESSE Care
Inside the OR: The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery 
Endometriomas can cause serious pain, fertility issues, and long-term damage if left untreated. This behind-the-scenes look from ESSE Care reveals why expert surgery matters—and what patients need to know...
Read More
When and How to Find an Endometriosis Excision Specialist | ESSE Care
When and How to Seek an Endometriosis Excision Specialist 
Struggling with unexplained pelvic pain or infertility? Learn when to seek an endometriosis excision specialist, why expert care matters, and how to advocate for the treatment you deserve.
Read More
The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery_Expert Insights from ESSE Care
Inside the OR: The Reality of Endometrioma Surgery 
Endometriomas can cause serious pain, fertility issues, and long-term damage if left untreated. This behind-the-scenes look from ESSE Care reveals why expert surgery matters—and what patients need to know...
Read More
When and How to Find an Endometriosis Excision Specialist | ESSE Care
When and How to Seek an Endometriosis Excision Specialist 
Struggling with unexplained pelvic pain or infertility? Learn when to seek an endometriosis excision specialist, why expert care matters, and how to advocate for the treatment you deserve.
Read More
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Your Endometriosis Symptoms 
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Your Endometriosis Symptoms 
Think it’s “just period pain”? It might be more. Discover the overlooked signs of endometriosis—and why so many patients are left in the dark.
Read More