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Definition

Surgery that involves the removal of organs or tissues to prevent cancer development.

Use in clinical context

Some people inherit genetic variants that predispose them to developing cancer. While not all cancers are candidates for prophylactic surgery, some are. These surgeries can significantly reduce the chance of developing the disease with examples including mastectomies and oophorectomies for women with variants that increase their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Related terms

Prophylactic

Last updated on 30th May, 2019