Nipple Retraction

Generally if there is retraction of the nipple, that is because there is cancer behind the nipple or areola, and it "draws" the nipple inwards. Depending on the exam and findings of the imaging studies (especially MRI), preserving the nipple and areola might not be possible. If the nipple and areola do need to be removed, sometimes a "central lumpectomy" can be performed - again this depends on the location and size of the tumor as well as the size and appearance of the overall breast. If a central lumpectomy is performed, radiation therapy will be needed, as with any lumpectomy. Radiation is generally not needed after mastectomy, unless there is a very large tumor, if there is invasion of tumor into the skin, or if multiple lymph nodes are involved by tumor.

I would make sure you get a good idea of the cosmetic results after central lumpectomy. In addition, remember that mastectomy is not necessarily a "better" operation - in most cases there is no long-term survival advantage to mastectomy compared to lumpectomy / radiation. Generally if there is retraction of the nipple, that is because there is cancer behind the nipple or areola, and it "draws" the nipple inwards. Depending on the exam and findings of the imaging studies (especially MRI), preserving the nipple and areola might not be possible. If the nipple and areola do need to be removed, sometimes a "central lumpectomy" can be performed - again this depends on the location and size of the tumor as well as the size and appearance of the overall breast. If a central lumpectomy is performed, radiation therapy will be needed, as with any lumpectomy. Radiation is generally not needed after mastectomy, unless there is a very large tumor, if there is invasion of tumor into the skin, or if multiple lymph nodes are involved by tumor.

I would make sure you get a good idea of the cosmetic results after central lumpectomy. In addition, remember that mastectomy is not necessarily a "better" operation - in most cases there is no long-term survival advantage to mastectomy compared to lumpectomy / radiation.

Depending on the size of the tumor, and it's size relative to the breast, lumpectomy and radiation may be an option. The other is mastectomy. Nipple preservation is not recommended if the tumor is too close to the nipple.

Depending on the size of the tumor, and it's size relative to the breast, lumpectomy and radiation may be an option. The other is mastectomy. Nipple preservation is not recommended if the tumor is too close to the nipple.