Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Cirugía profiláctica
Prophylactic surgery (PROH-fih-LAK-tik SER-juh-ree)
Surgery to remove an organ or gland that shows no signs of cancer, in an attempt to prevent development of cancer of that organ or gland. Prophylactic surgery is sometimes chosen by people who know they are at high risk for developing cancer.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.