Removing Ovaries During Hysterectomy Lowers Risk Of Prolapsed Pelvic Organs
Contrary to popular belief, removing ovaries during a hysterectomy does not increase the risk for pelvic organ prolapse according to new research published in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society. Researchers now agree that removing ovaries actually lowers the risk of prolapse. Removing ovaries for anything other than cancer is a topic of debate amongst healthcare professionals. The procedure has been connected with lowering the risk of breast cancer while at the same time increasing the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
FDA Issues Official Warning Against Use Of Power Morcellators During Surgery
The Washington Post recently reported that the Food and Drug Administration issued a “boxed” warning on the use of power morcellators during laparoscopic surgeries, a procedure used to remove uterine growths and perform hysterectomies. The warning is the strongest allowable by the FDA due to the increased risk of spreading hidden cancers. William Maisel, chief scientist at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health states that the warning was issued in the interest of women. He goes on to say that the power morcellator should not be used in the vast majority of incidences where the tool may be necessary.
Gene Linked To Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancers
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified a gene whose presence may explain why some breast cancers are resistant to tamoxifen, a hormone treatment that is widely used after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Tamoxifen is used to block the binding process of the estrogen receptors. However some estrogen receptor-positive cancers are resistant, or become resistant, to the hormone during therapy.
More Than Half Of Seniors Never Discuss Failing Memory With Doctors
A new study published in Neurology reports that more than half of seniors with failing memory do not talk about it with their doctors. Researchers at the University of Michigan state that over 1.8 million Americans over age 70 with dementia are not evaluated for cognitive symptoms by a medical provider. For some patients, this may mean that medical providers may miss opportunities to find modifiable causes of thinking or memory impairment. Experts are now calling for more clinical testing for seniors who have signs of cognitive problems.
