Studies Support Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy скачать в хорошем качестве

Studies Support Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Treating cancer while preserving the breast. A breast surgery option more women are giving a second look is the nipple-sparing mastectomy. “Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a surgical technique where the entire breast is removed underneath the skin surface. Traditionally the nipple areola complex would be removed even when you were doing a skin-sparing mastectomy,” says Dr. Lea Blackwell, who is a surgical breast oncologist on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. A recent review of more than 19 different studies, including more than 5,000 patients found similar survival and recurrence rates compared to women who underwent a full mastectomy. “There is some breast tissue that is left there at the nipple and previously it was felt that caused problems with possible recurrence however even when you do a mastectomy about 2% of breast tissue is left,” says Dr. Blackwell. Putting caution before cosmesis, this research supports the nipple-sparing technique as a safe alternative. That doesn’t mean every woman is cut out for it. “The nipple sparing mastectomy typically is for women with smaller breasts and if the tumor is not close to the nipple. It needs to be approximately 2cm away from the nipple,” says Dr. Blackwell. Less than 5% of US doctors offer this procedure, but it is available in Southwest Florida. Dr. Lea Blackwell finds it gives her breast cancer patients a boost. “There’s a higher degree of patient satisfaction and body self-image when you leave the nipple intact,” says Dr. Blackwell. While there is no sensation left, the preserving surgery leaves women feeling more natural. View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/ Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Visit leememorial.org