Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| 8/5/2010 | Hi, My mother died after her sarcoma of the breast connective tissue metastasized into her brain. (She was diagnosed at the age of 80.) Her mother also had breast cancer, and my father had prostate cancer, his father died of pancreatic cancer. I am about to undergo a needle biopsy for some cells that the doctor described as linear and amorphous under my left nipple, which has recently inverted. If I am found not to have cancer now, do you think it would be reasonable to have double mastectomy and reconstruction preventably? I understand there is a kind of reconstruction that uses tummy tissue? What would you recommend? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 8/6/2010 | first, let's see what this biopsy shows. inverted nipple is a common presentation for breast cancer. most women pursuing bilateral mastectomy for prevention usually carry a breast cancer gene which is determined by a blood test after counseling for genetic risk is done. yes, there is a way to rebuild the breasts at the same time that skin sparing mastectomies are done. the preferred method is DIEP flap taking tummy fat but NO muscle. there is an older method called TRAM flap but you sacrifice your abdominal muscles with it and have lifting restrictions for life. so if you do get surgery do DIEP. i've had it done bilaterally. incredible results. if you need us call 443-287-2778. | ||
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