October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which uses pink as its signature color. For the entire month, Dr. Pin will be participating by providing information on breast cancer statistics, screening, treatment, and reconstruction techniques following mastectomy.
Breast Cancer Statistics
According to the nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org, approximately one in eight U.S. women (12 percent) will develop breast cancer. For 2016, more than 300,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women, of which more than 246,000 are invasive. Breast cancer is also the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for women, coming in second only to skin cancer. More than 40,000 women are still expected to die from the disease, making it the second most common cause of death from cancer after lung cancer.
Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 44 should have the option to begin annual mammograms if they want. Those between the ages of 45 and 54 should have mammogram screenings done annually. Women ages 55 and older can switch to having mammograms every two years, provided they are healthy and show no symptoms of possible breast cancer.
Treatment
The first treatment step is a biopsy to determine if the cancer resides just in the mammary ducts and glands (non-invasive) or if it has spread into the tissue itself (invasive). If the breast cancer is invasive, it may require either radiation treatment or chemotherapy (an individualized chemical cocktail) to fully exterminate the cancer cells. This biopsy will also determine if just a small part of the breast will need to be removed (lumpectomy), or if it will require removal of the entire breast (mastectomy). Depending upon the severity and spread of the cancer, patients may undergo surgery either before or after going through a chemotherapy or radiation treatment regimen.
Breast Reconstruction
Depending upon the extent of breast tissue that is removed in a mastectomy or lumpectomy surgical operation, some patients may opt to undergo breast reconstruction. Dr. Pin will often assist in performing either the entire, or the first part of, breast reconstruction during the mastectomy or lumpectomy. If the entire breast is not reconstructed at that time, Dr. Pin will insert a spacer into the cavity left behind once the original breast is removed. This will keep the remaining breast tissue from closing over the area where the reconstruction will later be performed.
- Implant reconstruction: This technique is the easiest method of reconstruction, particularly if there is enough remaining breast tissue to cover the implant. It is performed almost exactly like a standard breast augmentation procedure. The one difference is that the nipple and areola (the area of darkened skin around the nipple) may have to be reconstructed as well.
- Latissimus flap reconstruction: This technique can be used if there is not enough remaining tissue to cover the implant or spacer. A section of skin and tissue is peeled from the flank, and then brought forward to cover the implant or spacer. Dr. Pin will then use this tissue to reconstruct the breast, areola, and nipple.
- Abdominal tissue flap reconstruction: This procedure works similarly to a latissimus flap reconstruction technique, except the donated tissue comes from the abdominal region. This procedure is often preferable for patients who have excess abdominal tissue, as the technique used to harvest the tissue is exactly the same as that used for a tummy tuck procedure. An incision is made from one hipbone across to the other, the skin and tissue are lifted up and tightened, and any excess is removed before suturing the remainder back into place. That excess abdominal tissue is then used for the reconstruction procedure.
There's no question that getting a diagnosis of breast cancer can be very confusing and frightening. However, with proper education and understanding, patients can make informed decisions about treatment, including the type of breast reconstruction that will best suit their needs.
To schedule a breast reconstruction consultation, contact our practice today.