Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks' Wife, Undergoes Double Mastectomy to Fight Off Breast Cancer

Actress Rita Wilson, the 58-year-old wife of Tom Hanks, has confirmed that she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after being diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer.

"Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma. I am recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caught this early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion," Wilson said in a statement given to People magazine last week.

Wilson said she has an underlying condition called lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS, which is being monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. After two recent surgical breast biopsies, pleomorphic carcinoma in situ, or PLCIS, was discovered.

The pathology report showed no cancer though. Still, the findings prompted her to get a second opinion through the suggestion of a friend.

Two other pathologists diagnosed her with invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that can spread cancer cells to other areas of the body, according to Mayo Clinic.

Wilson said she wanted to share her experience to educate others that "a second opinion is critical to your health."

Wilson's revelation calls to mind Angelina Jolie's decision to share the news of her own double mastectomy two years ago and the removal of her ovaries last month, after tests revealed a mutation in the BRCA1 gene that increases her risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

According to her publicist, Wilson took a leave from the Broadway play, "Fish in the Dark," starring Larry David to undergo the surgery. She will return on May 5.

Wilson is best knows for her roles in "Sleepless in Seattle," "Runaway Bride," "Now and Then," "Jingle All the Way" and "The Story of Us." She is also a singer and producer.