Prophylactic surgery
Prophylactic Surgery is a type of preventive medicine that involves the removal of an organ or gland that is healthy in order to prevent the development of a medical problem in the future. This type of surgery is often performed when a person has a high risk of developing a certain disease due to genetic factors or lifestyle choices.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Prophylactic surgery is often considered when a person has a high risk of developing a certain disease. This risk can be due to genetic factors, such as a family history of a certain type of cancer, or lifestyle choices, such as smoking or a poor diet. The goal of prophylactic surgery is to prevent the development of disease in the future.
Types of Prophylactic Surgery[edit | edit source]
There are several types of prophylactic surgery, including:
- Mastectomy: This is the removal of one or both breasts to prevent the development of breast cancer. This is often considered in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Oophorectomy: This is the removal of one or both ovaries to prevent the development of ovarian cancer. This is often considered in women who have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Prostatectomy: This is the removal of the prostate gland to prevent the development of prostate cancer. This is often considered in men who have a high risk of developing prostate cancer due to a family history of the disease.
Risks and Benefits[edit | edit source]
Like all surgeries, prophylactic surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. However, the potential benefits, such as a reduced risk of developing a certain disease, often outweigh these risks for people who are at a high risk of developing a certain disease.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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