Tom Hank’s wife Rita Wilson has undergone a double mastectomy
Rita Wilson has undergone a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 'Girls' actress - the wife of Tom Hanks - underwent the operation to remove both of her breasts and have reconstructive surgery last week after doctors discovered she had "invasive lobular carcinoma".
Rita, 58, has praised the doctors who treated her and her Oscar winninh husband Tom for his unwavering support in the wake of her diagnosis and operation.
In a statement released to PEOPLE magazine, she said: "Last week, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma. (is the second most common type of breast cancer)
“I caught this early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion. I have had an underlying condition of LCIS, (lobular carcinoma in situ) which has been vigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs.
"Recently, after two surgical breast biopsies, PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ) was discovered ... I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer."
However, a friend of hers that also had breast cancer suggested she get a second opinion on her pathology exam.
"My gut told me that was the thing to do. A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist," she continued.
Rita made the decision to go public with her illness as she hopes to encourage others to get a second opinion and trust their instincts if something doesn't feel right.
Today she also linked the statement in a Facebook post reading: “Hi all. There is some news I want to share with you in hopes that if you or any woman you know is dealing with this that a second opinion is necessary and vital. Not just by another doctor but by another pathologist. I'm doing well and getting stronger every day”
There's some news I want to share with you. More info on http://t.co/Sv8zhe39Tu
— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) April 14, 2015
Rita is the latest high-profile celebrity to go public with their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Angelina Jolie revealed she had a double mastectomy and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to minimise her risk of cancer because she carries the BRCA1 gene.
TV star Giuliana Rancic also had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.
