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Help, my doctor has recommended Mastectomy; does my life after-cancer have to include fake nipples and scars?

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Topics (Tags):

Breast Cancer Nipple Breast Reconstruction Scarring Mastectomy

Topics:

Breast Cancer X Nipple X Breast Reconstruction X Scarring X Mastectomy X

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Diseases:

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Answers (1)

Elynjacobs (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 05 / 09 / 2011

Today there are many options for mastectomy, especially for those with early stage cancer. In the past, most doctors made incisions across the breast or on the side of the breast. Today, many doctors perform this surgery from the underside of the breast, where scars are less noticeable. Why don’t all doctors do this? Some may be reluctant to learn new methods, and for others, perhaps they can’t be bothered. This type of surgery takes longer; surgeons are paid by the job, not the hour. Removal of the nipples is not always necessary. Doctors used to believe that nipple-sparing mastectomies were not effective because breast tissue remains. However, today, many doctors realize that sparing the nipples does not increase your risk of recurrence as long as the cancer is not in or near the nipples. When I was facing mastectomy, I wanted a doctor with cutting-edge thinking, someone who continuously learns new ways to perform surgery. If your doctor does not offer you options or is only able to give you ‘your mother’s mastectomy’, find a new doctor. After all, you wouldn’t buy an outdated cell phone, so why in the world would you accept outdated surgery?
I urge you to view the following link regarding nipple-sparing, beautiful mastectomies. Please note I do not agree with their discussion of incision placement, but if you follow the forum, you will hear others talk of below the breast placement.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/745796

Today there are many options for mastectomy, especially for those with early stage cancer.  In the past, most doctors made incisions across the breast or on the side of the breast.  Today, many doctors perform this surgery from the underside of the breast, where scars are less noticeable.   Why don’t all doctors do this?  Some may be reluctant to learn new methods, and for others, perhaps they can’t be bothered.  This type of surgery takes longer; surgeons are paid by the job, not the hour.   Removal of the nipples is not always necessary.  Doctors used to believe that nipple-sparing mastectomies were not effective because breast tissue remains.  However, today, many doctors realize that sparing the nipples does not increase your risk of recurrence as long as the cancer is not in or near the nipples.  When I was facing mastectomy, I wanted a doctor with cutting-edge thinking, someone who continuously learns new ways to perform surgery.  If your doctor does not offer you options or is only able to give you ‘your mother’s mastectomy’, find a new doctor.  After all, you wouldn’t buy an outdated cell phone, so why in the world would you accept outdated surgery?
I urge you to view the following link regarding nipple-sparing, beautiful mastectomies.  Please note I do not agree with their discussion of incision placement, but if you follow the forum, you will hear others talk of below the breast placement. 
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/745796

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Latest Activity: 05 / 12 / 2011
Views: 529
Followed By: 1 members