July 22, 2014 — Researchers estimate that one in 370 women who has a hysterectomy using a morcellator actually has undiagnosed uterine cancer, a finding that backs up data published by the FDA earlier this year.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Conclusions were based on data collected from 233,000 women who had a hysterectomy between 2006-2012. Morcellators were used on 16% of those surgeries.
Rates of cancer associated with morcellators:
- 99 cases of uterine cancer (27 cases per 10,000 women)
- 26 cases of other gynecological malignancies (7 cases per 10,000 women)
- 39 uterine neoplasms that might be malignant cancer (11 cases per 10,000 women)
- 368 cases of endometrial hyperplasia (101 cases per 10,000 women)
The risk increased substantially for women over 50 years old.
These statistics back up data from an FDA analysis back in April, which estimated that one in 350 women who has a hysterectomy for fibroids actually has undiagnosed uterine cancer. The FDA also found that one in 500 women had leiomyosarcoma (LMS), a highly-aggressive form of uterine cancer.
The FDA recommended against using morcellators in hysterectomies because the devices can spread malignant cells throughout a woman’s abdomen. This significantly worsens her chances of long-term survival. Many hospitals have stopped using the devices or sharply restricted their use.
Do I have a Morcellator Cancer Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting morcellator induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by uterine cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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