Symptoms of Cancer After Hysterectomy
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
It is possible to get gynecologic cancer gynecologic cancer after a hysterectomy (surgery to remove your uterus). However, the risk depends on the type of hysterectomy you have, including whether it’s a partial or total hysterectomy.
If you’ve had a hysterectomy and have any warning signs of ovarian cancer, check with your healthcare provider. These signs could also point to primary peritoneal cancer, a type of cancer with similar symptoms to ovarian cancer.
This article will discuss how to determine the risk for cancer after hysterectomy. It also covers signs of cancer as well as the complications and risks of hysterectomies.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Risk of Cancer by Hysterectomy Type
Your risk for developing cancer after surgery depends on the type of hysterectomy you had, which may include:
Partial hysterectomy: With this procedure, the uterus is removed, but the cervix and ovaries are not, therefore there is still a risk of ovarian or cervical cancer.
Total hysterectomy: This involves removing the uterus and cervix but leaving the ovaries, thus ovarian cancer is still possible.
Total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgeons remove the uterus, cervix, both ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Though studies show it's less likely that you will develop ovarian cancer if your ovaries are removed, it’s still possible.
Even if your ovaries are removed, you can develop primary peritoneal cancer, a cancer that starts in the covering that lines the abdominal organs. This type of cancer mimics ovarian cancer, causes similar symptoms, and is treated the same way.
If your cervix or fallopian tubes are removed, your risk of ovarian cancer is significantly reduced.
If you had a hysterectomy as a treatment for cancer, you should know that your cancer can still come back. This is called a recurrence.
Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Most women who’ve had a hysterectomy for reasons that don't involve cancer (such as for fibroids) have a low likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, even in cases in which the ovaries are kept. It’s less than a one in 70 lifetime risk. Research has suggested that some cases of ovarian cancer may start in the fallopian tubes, so removing them may decrease your risk.
Frequent Symptoms
Signs of ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer may not appear until the disease is advanced. Early symptoms are often broad and not very specific, but they may include:
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating
Feeling full quickly
It may be difficult to recognize these as symptoms of cancer, because they mimic symptoms of other illnesses as well.
As the disease progresses, fluid may build up in the abdomen, causing belly discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath.
Spotting Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer often overlap with other, noncancerous diseases. While it may be challenging to tell the difference, ovarian cancer signs tend to be persistent. They also might occur more frequently or be more severe. Let your healthcare provider know if these symptoms persist.
Less Common Symptoms
Other, less common symptoms of ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer include:
Painful sex
Menstrual changes, such as irregular bleeding or heavier bleeding
Abdominal swelling with weight loss
Care After Hysterectomy
You'll still need to undergo regular examinations after having a hysterectomy. Though there's no routine screening for ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend certain tests, like a pelvic exam, blood tests, or imaging tests if cancer is suspected.
Complications
Cancer that develops after a hysterectomy can cause various complications. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain therapies to help you manage these side effects.
Complications of Cancer
If ovarian cancer spreads to different parts of the body, it can cause complications, including:
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness are common.
Weight loss: If weight loss is severe, your healthcare provider may suggest that you receive nutrition intravenously.
Anemia: A lack of healthy red blood cells can occur.
Edema: You may notice swelling, or severe fluid buildup, in your body.
Ascites: This is a collection of fluid that accumulates in the abdominal cavity. It can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating or gastrointestinal problems.
Urinary tract or bowel obstruction: If a large tumor blocks your intestines or ureters (the ducts through which urine passes from kidneys to the bladder), you may need a stoma (a hole between the intestine and the outside of the body), a stent (a tiny, flexible, hollow tube), or a nephrostomy tube (a tube running from the kidney to the outside of the body).
Pleural effusion: When fluid between the thin membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity builds up, breathing problems may result.
Complications of Hysterectomy
Like all surgeries, a hysterectomy poses risks. Some potential complications include:
Blood loss
Damage to the bladder, urethra, blood vessels, or nerves
Side effects from anesthesia
Pelvic prolapse, which happens when pelvic organs stretch or drop
Early menopause or infertility (if the ovaries are removed)
Other Issues to Watch For
Many women with ovarian cancer notice a difference in their sexual function or sex drive. Depression is also a common issue.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
As a general rule, see your healthcare provider anytime you develop any unusual problems that don’t go away or become severe.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you see your physician if you experience symptoms associated with ovarian cancer more than 12 times a month.
Your healthcare provider may perform certain tests to check for cancer or rule out other conditions.
More often than not, your symptoms are likely caused by other reasons, but it's always a good idea to get checked.
Summary
Though the risk is low, you can still develop ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer after a hysterectomy. Symptoms of these diseases often don’t appear until the cancer is advanced, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual or persistent problems. Early treatment for ovarian cancer is vital, so don’t hesitate to see your physician if you’re concerned about a particular symptom.
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