Screening and surgical prophylaxis for hereditary cancer syndromes with high risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer

Abstract

In the era of advanced cancer genomics, our recognition of hereditary cancer mutations continues to increase. Two of these conditions, which carry an increased risk of female cancers including endometrial, ovarian, breast, are hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome. Risk-reducing surgery, such as mastectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, and hysterectomy may decrease cancer risk for mutation carriers. Background, indications, techniques, and consequences of these surgical procedures are reviewed.

Keywords: BRCA; Lynch syndrome; endometrial cancer; hereditary cancer; ovarian cancer.