APreventive Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction
Many women who choose to have preventive mastectomy decide to have breast reconstruction (plastic surgery to restore the shape of the breast). Before performing this type of procedure, the plastic surgeon carefully examines the breasts and discusses the appropriate types of reconstruction.
In one type of reconstructive procedure, the surgeon inserts an implant under the skin and the chest muscles. Another procedure to create the shape of a breast, called tissue flap reconstruction, uses skin, fat, and muscle from the woman's abdomen, back, or buttocks. After both types of reconstructive surgery, the surgeon will discuss any limitations on exercise or arm motion.
Women who have reconstructive surgery will be followed carefully in the postoperative period to detect and treat complications, such as infection, movement of the implant, or contracture (the formation of a firm, fibrous shell around the implant caused by the body's reaction to it). Routine screening for breast cancer is also part of the postoperative followup because the risk of cancer cannot be completely eliminated. When women with breast implants have mammograms, they should tell the radiology technician about the implant. Special procedures may be necessary to improve the accuracy of the mammogram.
Doctors do not always agree on the most effective way to manage the care of women who have a strong family history of breast cancer and/or have other risk factors for the disease. Some doctors may recommend preventive mastectomy, while others may prescribe tamoxifen, a medication that has been shown to decrease the chances of getting breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. Some doctors may advise very close monitoring (periodic mammograms, regular checkups that include a clinical breast examination performed by a health care professional, and monthly breast self-examination) to increase the chance of detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Although the effects are not proven, doctors may also encourage women at high risk to limit their consumption of alcohol, eat a low-fat diet, engage in regular exercise, and avoid hormone replacement therapy.
Content Courtesy : cis.nci.nih.gov
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}