A 34-year-old member asked:
If a man has breast cancer at 60 does he get plastic surgery on the other side also?
4 doctor answers • 15 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
He can.: Regardless of sex or age, anyone who is left with a cosmetic deformity after any cancer operation can be offered the option of reconstructive surgery. The few men that I have treated for breast cancer have not desired any reconstructive procedure for either the affected or unaffected side, but this is an individual decision.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Greg Pahnkeanswered
Surgery - Oncology 46 years experience
Yes: Most do not opt for that or need it - that is mastopexy but they will cover it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Adam Schaffneranswered
Plastic Surgery 25 years experience
Male breast cancer: A patient with breast cancer can have plastic surgery to reconstruct the breasts regardless of gender or age insofar as their is no medical contraindication not to perform such surgery. This includes cancer on the breast without cancer to achieve symmetry.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William A Biermann commented
Medical Oncology 48 years experience
Another important consideration is genetic testing since roughly 50% of male breast cancer is associated with the BRCA mutation
Jul 9, 2012
Dr. Robert Whitfieldanswered
Specializes in Plastic Surgery
Breast Cancer: So this question reflects on the language of the 1998 women's health rights act which mandates the private insurance companies cover the cost of breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as symmetry procedures on the opposite breast. It doesn't cover males and it doesn't cover lumpectomy reconstruction. There are currently multiple pieces of legislation to help make up for these shortcomings.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 23, 2017
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