Gynecological Surgeries: Can a Common Surgical Device Spread Cancer? Cancer Women's Health

A morcellator is a surgical instrument most commonly used for gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomies (removal of uterus) and myomectomies (removal of uterine fibroids) and may also be used for removal of ovarian tumors. 

In April 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning discouraging use of power morcellators because “it poses a risk of spreading unsuspected cancerous tissue, notably uterine sarcomas, beyond the uterus.” The warning also states, “…approximately 1 in 350 women who are undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids have an unsuspected type of uterine cancer called uterine sarcoma."

You should discuss this issue with your physician if you are going to get a hysterectomy or myomectomy. Learn more about this here.

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