Question:
What is a bilateral mastectomy?
Understanding Bilateral Mastectomy
A bilateral mastectomy is a procedure to remove the breast tissue in both of the breasts. Removing the tissue in both breasts may be necessary because cancerous cells exist in both of the breasts or it may be useful as a preventive measure. When breast cancer is detected, the doctor and the patient may make the decision to undergo a mastectomy instead of other treatment methods. A mastectomy is recommended as the preferred treatment method in a number of different situations. Some of these situations include pregnant women in the first or second trimester of the pregnancy, widespread tumors which encompass the majority of the breast tissue, multiple tumors located in different parts of the breast, failed previous radiation treatments, a strong family history of breast cancer, a gene mutation which carries a risk of developing breast cancer again and even living too far away from the nearest radiation treatment center. Patients who fall into one or more of these categories and have evidence of cancer in each of the breasts may be candidates for a bilateral mastectomy.
Even in cases in which cancer is only affecting one of the breasts, a bilateral mastectomy may still be considered. This is called a risk-reducing or prophylactic procedure which means the second breast is being removed as a preventative measure. This is especially common in breast cancer patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer or who carry the gene mutation which puts them at high risk for developing breast cancer again in the future.
Breast Procedures Frequently Asked Questions
How do I select a breast augmentation surgeon?
Why should I ask my surgeon for before and after pictures of past clients?
What are the differences between saline breast implants and silicone breast implants?
What is a breast augmentation?
How do I know if I should undergo breast enhancement surgery?
Where can I find reliable breast augmentation information?
Will I need to wear a special bra after my breast augmentation procedure?
What are a few potential plastic surgery complications?
What do I do if my breast implants deflate?
When should breast implants be removed?
When is breast implant revision necessary?
What do I do if I want to have my breast implants removed?
How do I know if my breast implants are deflating?
When should I consider breast implant revision surgery?
What is a breast lift procedure?
Should I ask to see before and after photos when selecting a breast lift surgeon?
How much does a breast lift cost?
Is it possible to combine a breast lift and a breast augmentation procedure?
How long does it take to recover from a breast lift surgery?
When is it a good idea to have a breast lift?
What are the concerns associated with a breast lift surgery?
What can I expect during a breast lift procedure?
What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
Are Silicone Gel Breast Implants Safe?
How do I avoid being dissatisfied with the results of my cosmetic surgery?
What are the complications which may result if a breast implant ruptures?
Can breast implant rippling be corrected?
What are some of the common breast augmentation problems?
How can I minimize breast augmentation scars?
What is breast reconstruction?
When can a patient have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
What is bilateral breast reconstruction?
What type of recovery is required for breast reconstruction surgery?
How do I find a qualified breast reconstruction surgeon?
How do I know if breast reconstruction surgery is a good option for me?
When is breast reconstruction not recommended?
What is breast reduction surgery?
Will insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?
What should I expect from cosmetic surgeons who perform breast reduction procedures?
What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
Is scarless breast reduction possible?
What type of recovery is required for breast reduction surgery?
Where can I find out more about breast reduction surgery?
What types of breast implants are available?
Which is better saline breast implants or silicone breast implants?
How do I find a qualified breast implant surgeon?
How do I know if breast implants are right for me?
What are cohesive gel implants?
Where can I find reliable breast implant information?
What are the largest breast implants available?
Can breast surgery correct asymmetry?
Is uneven breast size a problem?
Can cosmetic surgery be used to correct uneven nipples?
Is it possible that my asymmetrical breasts are affecting my self esteem?
What types of breast surgery is available to improve breast asymmetry?
Can breast surgery result in uneven breasts?
Is breast surgery the only option for uneven breasts?
What should I look for when consulting with a cosmetic surgeon before a breast procedure?
Are there online forums available for patients who are considering breast augmentation?
How important are breast augmentation photos in selecting a surgeon?
How do I know if the information obtained on a breast augmentation forum is accurate?
How can I avoid rushing into the decision to undergo breast augmentation?
Should I ask for personal referrals when selecting a cosmetic surgeon?
Should I ask to see before and after breast implant photos before selecting a surgeon?
How much do breast implants cost?
Can I afford breast augmentation?
How much do saline implants cost?
Is breast augmentation financing an option?
Is breast reduction surgery covered by insurance?
How can I save money for a breast augmentation procedure?
Can I take out a loan to financing a breast augmentation?
How to a find a breast augmentation surgeon?
How do I know if a breast implant surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure?
What should I do if I don’t trust my plastic surgeon?
How can I do research on potential breast augmentation surgeons?
What should I ask potential breast implant surgeons?
Where can I find plastic surgeon recommendations?
Should I contact references provided by a breast augmentation surgeon?
What is Male Breast Augmentation?
Are Male Breast Enhancements Similar to Female Breast Enhancements?
What types of male breast implants are available to men seeking breast augmentation?
Is breast enlargement ever desired by men?
What is involved in male breast augmentation surgery?
What is the recovery period like for male breast enhancement surgery?
Are postoperative visits required for male breast augmentation?
Can Men Undergo a Breast Reduction Surgery?
What treatment options are available for gynecomastia?
What are the causes of gynecomastia?
What is Breast Reduction for Men?
Can breast reduction surgery increase self esteem in men?
When is breast reduction surgery for men warranted?
What is life like after a mastectomy?
What is a bilateral mastectomy?
What types of post mastectomy treatments are recommended?
What is the recovery period like for a mastectomy surgery?
When is a double mastectomy necessary?
What type of scar results from a mastectomy?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Ray Lokar |
