Need advice Ovary Removal

Julie's Sister
Julie's Sister Member Posts: 18 Member
edited June 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1

 

 

I need some advice. According to the cancer.org site women who have a "harmful" gene mutation in the brca 1 or 2 should consider removing the ovaries. My sister, who just died from OC at age 46 had a mutation that was Favor Polymorphiism in braca 1. I took the test and have the same mutation. However, according to my research, that is not a "harmful" mutation. All other tests were no mutation detected.
Does anyone have any advice about my removing my ovaries? I am 62.
Debbie

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
    Julie's sister

    sorry i have no knowledge of this type so cancer. I would talk to a Dr. and see what she advises.....hope you get the answers you need.....Val 

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #3
    Hi Debbie

    You genetic testing result "Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism" does not mean that you have germline BRCA1 mutation. It means that:

     

    • A genetic change or variant was detected in the BRCA1 gene.
    • It is normal to see some variation in genes – not everyone is alike.
    • These variants are called polymorphisms.
    • Polymorphisms do not cause HBOC (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) syndrome.
    • The chance that you have HBOC syndrome is significantly reduced but not completely ruled out.

     

    Talk to the genetisist who referred you to testing and ask to explain your risk management options. I don't think that you have more risk of breast or ovarian cancer than the general population. At your age you should have regular mammograms. Removing healthy ovaries in my opinion would be an overkill.

    Very sorry about your sister.

     

  • Julie's Sister
    Julie's Sister Member Posts: 18 Member
    #4
    Alexandra said:

    Hi Debbie

    You genetic testing result "Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism" does not mean that you have germline BRCA1 mutation. It means that:

     

    • A genetic change or variant was detected in the BRCA1 gene.
    • It is normal to see some variation in genes – not everyone is alike.
    • These variants are called polymorphisms.
    • Polymorphisms do not cause HBOC (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) syndrome.
    • The chance that you have HBOC syndrome is significantly reduced but not completely ruled out.

     

    Talk to the genetisist who referred you to testing and ask to explain your risk management options. I don't think that you have more risk of breast or ovarian cancer than the general population. At your age you should have regular mammograms. Removing healthy ovaries in my opinion would be an overkill.

    Very sorry about your sister.

     

    ovaries removal?

    Thanks for the info.  I have been told that even tho my ovaries are healthy, since my sister had OC and died from it, I should have them removed.  Even without the BRCA mutation, there is a family connection.

    Also, my doctor wants to keep a close check with transvaginal untrasounds, etc but I certainly don't want to "all of a sudden"  have a concern.

    My sister's gyn/onc suggested I get them out, since I don't need them anymore.

    I am going to seek the advice of a genetic counselor, I guess.

    I don't want to have unnecessary surgery, but I sure don't want to suffer like my sister did.

    Thanks again for the suggestions.  I really value the opinions of those on this site, as I consider you the "real experts"

     

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