Did this procedure cause my cancer?

seatown
seatown Member Posts: 261 Member

Apparently the warnings have been around for some time, but this is the first I've heard of it. When I had a hysterectomy 6 yrs ago, it was laparoscopic & robotic. If this particular technique--power morcellation--was used, I didn't know it. But it sounds like it was possble. And now I learn it can cause cancer. Yell

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/science/uterine-cancer-hysterectomy.html

Comments

  • jaymiecindy
    jaymiecindy Member Posts: 6
    wow

    interesting. thanks for sharing

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    My understanding

    is that morcellation doesn't cause cancer.  However, it will spread it if cancer is present.  Thus tumor may not be visible yet, but the cells would be thrown throughout the abdomen with morcellation, which acts like a blender.

  • seatown
    seatown Member Posts: 261 Member
    abrub said:

    My understanding

    is that morcellation doesn't cause cancer.  However, it will spread it if cancer is present.  Thus tumor may not be visible yet, but the cells would be thrown throughout the abdomen with morcellation, which acts like a blender.

    morcellation

    My understanding is the same as yours. After my hysterectomy, the surgeon did an abdominal "wash" which was supposed to get rid of any disease that might be present. (The tumor that prompted the hysterectomy was declared benign in 2008.) It was 4 yrs later that my Stage IV primary peritoneal cancer was diagnosed, & I don't know how long it takes for such a cancer to develop.

  • Bellavision
    Bellavision Member Posts: 4
    seatown said:

    morcellation

    My understanding is the same as yours. After my hysterectomy, the surgeon did an abdominal "wash" which was supposed to get rid of any disease that might be present. (The tumor that prompted the hysterectomy was declared benign in 2008.) It was 4 yrs later that my Stage IV primary peritoneal cancer was diagnosed, & I don't know how long it takes for such a cancer to develop.

    Peritoneal Cancer

    I am sorry for your Cancer dx. I too heard about the procedure you had using the Power Morcillator and now there are many lawsuits pending as the use of that type of device stirs up or releases micromatascies. I am not a doctor but I would look into the lawsuit which may compensate you for your dx or treatments, etc. I had ovarian cancer 5 yrs ago had 3 tx of chemo and was considered healed. But recently a lower abdominal CT scan revealed 2 larger and 1 smaller lesions in the abdominal area towards the posterior wall.  I went to UC Davis and they recommened a PET scan, but I was denied by my insurance company, eventhough the radiologist stated in the scan results the scans were concerning given my hx with cancer. I explored what type of cancer if any, those lesions might represent and my best guess would be peritinoeal. I plan to appeal the denial of a PET scan but if you could tell me what our symptoms are and were and how you were finally diagnosed, it would allow me to consider my symptoms, etc.  I will pray for your treatments that they are effective and healing. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Warm regards.  Jayne

  • seatown
    seatown Member Posts: 261 Member

    Peritoneal Cancer

    I am sorry for your Cancer dx. I too heard about the procedure you had using the Power Morcillator and now there are many lawsuits pending as the use of that type of device stirs up or releases micromatascies. I am not a doctor but I would look into the lawsuit which may compensate you for your dx or treatments, etc. I had ovarian cancer 5 yrs ago had 3 tx of chemo and was considered healed. But recently a lower abdominal CT scan revealed 2 larger and 1 smaller lesions in the abdominal area towards the posterior wall.  I went to UC Davis and they recommened a PET scan, but I was denied by my insurance company, eventhough the radiologist stated in the scan results the scans were concerning given my hx with cancer. I explored what type of cancer if any, those lesions might represent and my best guess would be peritinoeal. I plan to appeal the denial of a PET scan but if you could tell me what our symptoms are and were and how you were finally diagnosed, it would allow me to consider my symptoms, etc.  I will pray for your treatments that they are effective and healing. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Warm regards.  Jayne

    options running out

    Sorry not to have replied sooner, but I'm in a bad spot--facing hospice soon. Pls see my cancer blog @ www.CaringBridge.org/visit/CaroleSeaton