Question 1

can you tell me is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, no: Prophylactic mastectomy does not improve recurrence or survival from breast cancer. The risk, generally, of a new contralateral breast cancer is only 1%/year. We generally do not recommend, unless circumstances like BRCA mutation exist.

Question 2

i recently had a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction, what's next?

Accepted Answer

Regular followup: May include lab, physical,exam, X-rays, ct scans pet scans.

Question 3

is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea? what are all the ramifications?

Accepted Answer

For some patients: Only if you have a very high risk of breast cancer should you consider this operation.  Having the breast cancer gene is a frequent indication.  The ramifications, well how do you view life without breasts?  There aren't really any physiologic problems afterwards, and you can either wear prosthetics or have reconstruction, but it is definitely not the same.  Big decision.  Get lots of advice.

Question 4

is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea for high-risk patients?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes.: There are very few options for reducing the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high-risk.  While quite extreme, a double mast-x can significantly lower the risk of developing breast cancer.  A simple blood test can be done to determine if a women is at high risk for developing the hereditary form of breast cancer.  Before having this brca test, it is best to meet with a genetic counselor.

Question 5

supposing you get a prophylactic mastectomy, can doctors do breast reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Reconstruction is usually offered when getting a prophylactic mastectomy.  Insurance coverage for both procedures can vary.

Question 6

mother had breast cancer in mid fifties now i'm worried i'll get it. nobody else in family had it. should i get prophylactic mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

No....: Your chance of getting breast cancer, with a positive maternal history, is still only about 15%. (50% higher than a negative history.) however, if a brca test was positive, your odds would jump to about 85-86%. I would suggest a brca test if you really want to consider preemptive surgery. Speak to your primary physician and see what can be done. Good luck.

Question 7

my bio mother had breast cancer at a young age, and my bio grandmother had ovarian cancer. both passed from it. prophylactic mastectomy an option?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you are 18 years old, that is a very early age to be considering mastectomy surgery. It would be best to see your family doctor and get a referral to a genetic counselor for consideration of brca testing to see what your risks are. You may or may not have a higher risk of breast and/or ovarian cancers. Be checked first before considering the worst.

Question 8

mom had breast cancer, i used to drink a lot, i took birth control, etc. i feel like my risk of breast ca is incredibly high. prophylactic mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily : Alcohol consumption over certain level may increase your risk to some degree and obviously family history does too but I would not go crazy thinking it's "incredibly high". I suggest you talk to your doc and ask to see a specialist in risk assessment to get a better estimate of your risk and maybe some tips on how to reduce it. Don't live in fear, my friend. Best to you.

Question 9

23andme shows i have a gene that increase breast cancer risk by 1.2. my mom has the same variant and got breast cancer at 53.i plan to get a prophylactic mastectomy because of this.do i see a surgeon?

Accepted Answer

This what you want?: Please stop and think. You can&#x27;t go through life trying to eliminate every risk. You owe it to yourself and to that special person who may choose to love you through your life to keep your body intact and healthy for as long as you can. There are HUNDREDS of genes that modify risks. If you maintain surveillance against breast cancer, it&#x27;s almost always curable when found. Love casts out fear.

Question 10

prophylactic bilateral mastectomy + reconstruction, can you tell me about this?

Accepted Answer

Must talk to surgeon: This should be an hour-long discussion that depends on your specific diagnosis as well as family and personal history. 400 words wont justify an answer without having more information. I caution against the media bias to bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, which is an individual decision that should be made between patient and surgeon. This drastic surgery is not always the right answer to cancer.

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Doctor answers about:

Prophylactic mastectomy

A member asked:

Can you tell me is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea?

A member asked:

I recently had a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction, what's next?

A member asked:

Is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea? what are all the ramifications?

A member asked:

Is having a prophylactic mastectomy a good idea for high-risk patients?

A member asked:

Supposing you get a prophylactic mastectomy, can doctors do breast reconstruction?

A member asked:

Mother had breast cancer in mid fifties now i'm worried i'll get it. nobody else in family had it. should i get prophylactic mastectomy?

A member asked:

My bio mother had breast cancer at a young age, and my bio grandmother had ovarian cancer. both passed from it. prophylactic mastectomy an option?

A member asked:

Mom had breast cancer, i used to drink a lot, i took birth control, etc. i feel like my risk of breast ca is incredibly high. prophylactic mastectomy?

A member asked:

23andme shows i have a gene that increase breast cancer risk by 1.2. my mom has the same variant and got breast cancer at 53.i plan to get a prophylactic mastectomy because of this.do i see a surgeon?

A member asked:

Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy + reconstruction, can you tell me about this?

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