Does endometrioma removal or excision surgery reduce cancer risk?

Removing an endometrioma or excising endometriosis can remove tissue where atypical changes could rarely develop, but these surgeries are not typically done primarily as a cancer-prevention strategy. Overall, the link between endometriosis (including endometriomas) and cancer is complex, and the absolute risk for most patients remains low.

When we discuss surgery, the decision is usually driven by your symptoms, your fertility goals, and whether imaging shows features that are concerning or changing over time. If you have an endometrioma, our team can review your history and imaging and help you understand what surgery can and can’t change—including what we look for when we’re assessing cancer risk and planning the safest next steps.