Question

What is the difference between a total hysterectomy and a radical hysterectomy?

A) Total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix, while radical hysterectomy removes additional surrounding tissues.
B) Radical hysterectomy removes only the uterus, while total hysterectomy removes the uterus and surrounding tissues.
C) Total hysterectomy is a more invasive procedure than radical hysterectomy.
D) There is no significant difference between total hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy.

Answer 1

A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and cervix, while a radical hysterectomy also includes the removal of surrounding tissues such as part of the vagina and pelvic tissues, and is typically used to treat cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between a total hysterectomy and a radical hysterectomy is significant in terms of what is removed during the surgery. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and cervix, which may be necessary for conditions like endometriosis or non-cancerous conditions. On the other hand, a radical hysterectomy goes further by removing the entire uterus, cervix, the tissue around the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes and part of the pelvic tissue. This procedure is usually reserved for when cervical cancer or other cancers are present and a more aggressive approach is needed for treatment.