Mercy Gynecologist Dr. Beman Khulpateea Discusses Developing Ovarian Cancer Despite Hysterectomy

If you've had a hysterectomy, you may assume you can't be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

While having your uterus removed decreases your risk of developing ovarian cancer, it's still possible.

According to Beman R. Khulpateea, M.D., a Fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist in The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy, women who may have had a hysterectomy at a younger age keep their ovaries. The ovaries produce eggs and are the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

"A lot of times, especially for women who have a hysterectomy in their 30s or 40s, (they) may have had that for heavy bleeding, fibroids, and at that point in their life, it's important to keep the ovaries inside the body in terms of health care and quality of life," Dr. Khulpateea said.

As women age, there is a risk of ovarian cancer. Some of the possible symptoms are abdominal bloating and discomfort, trouble eating or feeling overly full and frequent urination or the urge to urinate often, to name a few. They are vague, but if any of these symptoms persist, you should talk to your doctor.

View Mercy gynecologic oncologist Dr. Beman Khulpateea’s interview regarding hysterectomy and ovarian cancer.