Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Oophorectomy

Definition

Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. It is also called ovariectomy. If one ovary is removed, a woman may continue to menstruate and have children. If both ovaries are removed, menstruation stops and a woman loses the ability to have children.

Purpose

Oophorectomy is performed to:

• remove cancerous ovaries
• remove the source of estrogen that stimulates some cancers
• remove a large ovarian cyst
• excise an abscess
• treat endometriosis

In an oophorectomy, one, or a portion of one, ovary may be removed or both ovaries may be removed. When oophorectomy is done to treat ovarian cancer or other spreading cancers, both...