Question 1

is mastectomy a very common procedure?

Accepted Answer

For a breast surgeon: It is still common for more advanced breast cancer.  With any surgical procedure, you want to seek out a surgeon who is skilled in the procedure you require.  Ask your surgeon directly about his/her experience, and about your different treatment options for your problem.

Question 2

how long di double mastectomy procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Not long: The actual procedure should take no more than 2 hours, perhaps a bit less, depending on the pathology and indication for the procedure.

Question 3

can fat deposits that have been left under arm after mastectomy be removed? no reconstruction. what is the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a: breast surgeon.  It might be an enlarged lymph node, not just fat deposit.  If it is nothing but a fat, removal under local anesthesia might be possible.

Question 4

can capsular contracture after breast reconstruction be fixed without more surgery? i'm worried about this possible side effect of breast reconstruction. my procedure will be two stages, so between that and my original mastectomy, three surgeries is plent

Accepted Answer

Thei : Thei first goal is to prevent capsular contracture, this is done by making sure the breast pockets are free of blood and infection. Placing the expanders and subsequent implants under the muscle helps to reduce capsular contracture. Early evaluation suggest that the use of accular dermal matrix may help reduce capsular contracture. Appropriate drainage will help divert blood and other fluids that can lead to inflammation.
I personally believe that early massage with a castor oil based serum is very helpful in maintaining soft pockets. This massage should be done for 4-6 weeks after each surgery.
Once a capsular contracture occurs, it may successfully be managed early with massage, castor oil based serum, and the use of an asthma medicine, such as singular or accolate (zafirlukast). Surgery may be required in those patients who do not respond to non-invasive measures.

Question 5

i have breast cancer, can i do a sentinal lymph node biopsy before i decide on which procedure to do (lumpectomy or mastectomy)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: In fact, that is exactly what some women do before starting pre-operative chemotherapy. First, they have their sentinel node biopsy, then they have their chemotherapy and finally they have their surgery, either lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Question 6

what is mastectomy like?

Accepted Answer

Unpleasant: Mastectomy is done for tumors of the  breast.  It is not something looked forward to.  The result depends upon the extent of the tumor, adjacent spread and the need for chemotherapy and radiation.  Unless there is reconstruction, it leaves a flat covering of skin where there used to  be protrusion.  Most have simultaneous reconstruction which can be very cosmetically helpful.

Question 7

what happens during a mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Breast removal.: The standard surgical treatment for breast cancer, modified radical mastectomy, involves removal of all breast tissue including the nipple and areola, as well as some of the lymph nodes under the armpit.  Simple or total mast-x is identical except no lymph nodes are removed.  Selected patients may be treated without skin removal (nipple and/or areolar sparing mast-x; sub-q mast-x)

Question 8

what exactly is a mastectomy bra?

Accepted Answer

Individualized item: A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. It can hold a breast prosthesis for cosmetic purposes and can help in recovery after mastectomy surgery.

Question 9

how does mastectomy affect women?

Accepted Answer

Differently: Some seem not to be bothered at all.  These generally include the elderly.  Younger women tend to undergo a grieving process but this can be significantly diminished by pursuing reconstruction.  Reconstruction techniques are so good these days that the reconstructed breast sometimes looks better than the original.  Sensory loss and scars arent usually too troubling.

Question 10

how does a mastectomy fitter work?

Accepted Answer

By selling products: Most  have been trained  on the job by a mentor  some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise  the measure and fit and judge   and tweak  using various manufactor's prosthesis and  bras. You by feel  have the final say  they also act as counselors- as noted -some have been through this themselves. It really pays to find a good fitter from the start.

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What are considered key portions of the mastectomy procedure

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Is mastectomy a very common procedure?

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How long di double mastectomy procedure take?

A member asked:

Can fat deposits that have been left under arm after mastectomy be removed? no reconstruction. what is the procedure?

A member asked:

Can capsular contracture after breast reconstruction be fixed without more surgery? i'm worried about this possible side effect of breast reconstruction. my procedure will be two stages, so between that and my original mastectomy, three surgeries is plent

A member asked:

I have breast cancer, can i do a sentinal lymph node biopsy before i decide on which procedure to do (lumpectomy or mastectomy)?

A member asked:

What is mastectomy like?

A member asked:

What happens during a mastectomy?

A member asked:

What exactly is a mastectomy bra?

A member asked:

How does mastectomy affect women?

A member asked:

How does a mastectomy fitter work?

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