Nipple Sparing Mastectomy - A New Choice for Patients

It wasn't long ago that there were few options for women whose cancer had reached a point where breast removal was deemed necessary. Today, things have changed. Reconstruction options are brighter than ever, pre-mastectomy treatments are getting better and more successful, and procedures such as the nipple sparing mastectomy have given women extra hope for a normal aesthetic appearance following major surgery. What's even better is that recent studies have shown that the procedure is much safer than previously imagined, especially when done by a competent and experienced specialist surgeon.

Most experts in breast reconstruction have noticed that excellent surgeons offering the nipple sparing mastectomy are on the rise, and for good reason. The procedure is usually able to be performed without complications and it can give the patient a better chance at achieving breast reconstruction that is nearly indistinguishable from a typical augmentation. Of course, even experts who advocate for the surgery are quick to remind patients and surgeons that there is a chance of discovering cancerous tissue beneath the nipple in women offered the procedure. The risk, however, may be lower than once thought.

According to a recent Georgetown University Hospital study, the recurrences of cancer in women who opted for the nipple sparing mastectomy were extraordinarily minimal, with little variation between them and those who opted for the more traditional form of the surgery. This comes as good news, as plastic surgeons are apt to remind women that this form of the procedure can be a tremendous psychological boost for patients who are deeply concerned with losing their aesthetic appeal following cancer treatment.

With all of this said, not every cancer patient will be a candidate for the nipple sparing mastectomy. There are several factors that go into deciding whether or not the procedure is right for a patient, including where the cancer is located, how much it has spread, and the current size of the mammary. It is also vital that a patient be selective when choosing a surgeon. If you are thinking about moving forward with the aggressive cancer treatment that is an NSM, make sure you do your research. Find a surgeon experienced in the procedure who is prepared for any eventuality and knows how to separate a good candidate from a poor one. Above all, go into your decision with the information you need. With said information only a couple of button clicks away, patients have no excuse not to be their own biggest advocates when it comes to their cancer treatment.