Minimize Your Chances of Developing Breast Cancer or Treat Early Stages With a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
When many women learn they have breast cancer, one of their first thoughts is, “Will I need a mastectomy?” Unfortunately for many, this answer is yes. That being said, there are many different forms of mastectomy, and not all variations require the complete removal of the breast.
What Is a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
After your diagnosis, you and your surgeon may decide that a nipple-sparing mastectomy is right for you. This surgery involves removing all breast tissue without removal of the breast skin, nipple, and areola.
After reviewing your clinical information, Dr. Sadeghi will determine if you are a candidate for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. Most patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomies (a procedure done to reduce the risk of developing cancer) and some patients with small early-stage breast cancer are candidates for this procedure.
Dr. Sadeghi specializes in this advanced procedure, which can be performed on most women regardless of breast size or position.
What Are the Benefits of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Patients who undergo this type of mastectomy report that their breasts feel more natural. The importance of this benefit can’t be overstated, as a woman’s psychological reaction to her breasts after surgery is a pivotal part of her total recovery.
We can perform a nipple-sparing mastectomy if cancer exists at least two centimeters from the nipple, measures less than four centimeters total in size, and does not affect the skin. Patients who have undergone radiation treatment are often still eligible to undergo this procedure.
Should You Consider Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy if You Have the BRCA Gene?
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have been found in women (and some men) with a family history of hereditary breast cancer. If you have either of these mutations, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer and other malignancies than those without.
While having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene does not guarantee you will get cancer, some women choose to remove their breast tissue as a precautionary measure. This is done with a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
How Is a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Performed?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery is performed via a single incision in either the inferior (lower) or lateral (side) area of the breast. Certain patients may be good candidates for an incision in the inframammary fold under the breast, which leads to inconspicuous scars and especially natural-looking results.
After undergoing the procedure, patients will stay overnight in the hospital for care and observation. Most patients recover from the procedure within two to three weeks.
Will I Lose Sensation After a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
Though your results may look very much like your previous breasts, the sensations you feel will change. The procedure often results in a loss or diminished sensation, or ability to feel touch and pressure, in the breast(s).
Remember to be patient, as sensation can take up to a year to come back. While fine-touch sensation does not return, most women do retain at least some sensation.
Please also keep in mind that while mastectomy is the most effective treatment to reduce breast cancer recurrence — offering more than a 90 percent reduction rate — there can never be a total guarantee that breast cancer won’t recur.
Your surgeons take meticulous care during surgery to remove all visible breast cancer tissue, reducing the chance of a recurrence. After your procedure, you’ll be screened regularly and undergo careful clinical breast examination.
As one of the best tools in our arsenal to fight breast cancer, the nipple-sparing mastectomy has helped many women beat cancer and live long, full, and happy lives.