In 1992 the Administration of Food and Drugs U.S. restricted the use of silicone implants to study the question at issue. Studies have been completed so far have failed to demonstrate an increased risk of autoimmune diseases among women with silicone implants and various other organizations including the American Cancer Society, have asked the FDA to stop the restriction.
What is breast cancer reconstruction surgery? Thanks to advances in breast cancer reconstruction surgery, many women who have undergone breast removal choose to do reconstruction surgery. Although medical treatments, surgical and radiation therapy for breast cancer have increased the number of breast-sparing procedures, approximately one third of patients with breast cancer require a mastectomy (removal of the breast or breasts). In addition, other women have a breast or breasts removed due to other diseases.
Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the shape and appearance of the natural breast. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to create a breast mound that matches the opposite breast and to achieve symmetry. If both breasts have been removed, the goal of reconstructive surgery is to create both breast mounds approximately the size of the patient's natural breasts.
What are the criteria for breast reconstruction surgery? - In general, all women who have a mastectomy are candidates for immediate reconstruction and delayed breast. However, there are criteria for selecting the best candidates for the procedure: The size and location of the cancer-which determines the amount of skin and tissue to be removed in the mastectomy-are primary factors when making recommendations for reconstruction.
If the tissue has been damaged by radiation therapy or aging, and is not healthy enough to withstand surgery. Other considerations include: The potential for complications. The patient's wishes. The amount of breast tissue removed. The health of the tissue at the site of planned operation. If radiation therapy is part of treatment. The patient's general health and physique. The medical history. Existing illnesses. Other risk factors are heart disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking and obesity.
When surgery is performed breast reconstruction? The patient is usually educated and counseled in breast reconstructive possibilities prior to mastectomy, so she can decide for or against reconstruction before going into surgery.
Based on personal medical history of each patient, the recommendation will be made for either:
Immediate reconstruction - reconstructive surgery performed at the same time as mastectomy.
Delayed reconstruction - a second operation (to reconstruct the breast tissue is needed) done to complete recovery after mastectomy. If chemotherapy is part of the treatment protocol, the surgeon may recommend delayed reconstruction.