Can a Reconstructed Breast Develop Cancer?
A reconstructed breast does not have a higher or lower risk of cancer occurring in the future. The most current research in the field of breast reconstruction shows no correlation between reconstruction and the recurrence of breast cancer in women.
After any type of cancer surgery, there is a risk that cancer can return. It is important to have regular screenings after your Newport Beach breast reconstruction surgery and to follow your oncologist’s instructions closely after breast cancer surgery is complete.
How is a lumpectomy different than a mastectomy?
With regular screenings, it is now possible to catch breast cancer in its earliest stages. This allows many women to choose between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy. The difference between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy is that in a lumpectomy, only the cancerous portion of the breast is removed. When it is possible to choose between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, some women choose a lumpectomy to retain as much natural breast as possible.
It is important to realize that after a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, cancer reoccurrence is possible. With a lumpectomy, the chance of reoccurrence is ten to fifteen percent higher than the one percent reoccurrence after a mastectomy. In both, cases, however, the majority of women will not have a reoccurrence of breast cancer.
What is breast reconstruction?
After lumpectomy and mastectomy, several breast reconstruction options are available. In some cases, it is better to wait for a time before undergoing reconstruction, allowing the tissues to heal before a second surgery. Whether you are a candidate for immediate reconstruction can be determined by your breast cancer surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologist.
If you choose to have your breast reconstructed after mastectomy, the following options may be available to you:
- Implants (saline or silicone)
- Autologous tissue (tissue from another part of the body)
- Autologous tissue and implants
Most women that undergo a lumpectomy are left with a hollow space, bulge, scar or other distortion of the breast. This can be remedied by:
- Addition of harvested fatty tissue (lipofilling)
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Scar removal
Why choose us?
- Dr. Wirth our board-certified plastic surgeon performs all of the breast reconstruction procedures at Wirth Plastic Surgery.
- Dr. Wirth has performed over 20,000 procedures in his 15 years of experience as a breast surgeon.
- He specializes in the breasts, face and body.
- He has a reputation as one of the leading breast surgeons practicing in Southern California.
Will my breast reconstruction be covered by insurance?
Health insurance policies are typically required to cover breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. This coverage was part of The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. It includes all phases of reconstruction undergone to achieve symmetry of the breasts. It also covers treating any complications that could arise.
What factors will affect my breast reconstruction methods?
Your breast reconstruction procedure will be discussed in detail with your breast cancer surgeon and your plastic surgeon prior to your treatment. Several factors may affect the reconstruction methods available to you including:
- The size of the breast
- Your age
- Your health
- Your prior surgeries
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Availability of fatty tissue to harvest, purify, and transfer
- Tumor location
Uncategorized