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.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
555 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8/2011 | Hi, I had an appt. with my local dr. here in VA the other day, they told me I had multiple simple cysts and referred me to a high risk clinic due to fibrostic conditions and a strong family history (mother/grandmother). They also referred me to genetic counseling and for my Mother to have a BRAC test in MD soon. They also suggested to me that whether I have the BRAC gene on not to consider being proactive, due to a high score on the GAIL model test showing I have a close to 40% risk factor for breast cancer, they suggested considering drug therapy for cancer prevention or an prop. mastectomy procedure. Would I be able to opt for an elective prop. mastectomy even if I do not have the BRAC mutation based on the high risk factor and if so could I ask to be referred to a Hopkins Doctor for the surgery, I would especially be interested in learning more about the new flap reconstructive surgery if it was an option at this point. Thank you. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 7/9/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. Yes, women opt for prophylactic mastectomy for many reasons, and being at high risk for developing breast cancer is very common. We see many women here @ Johns Hopkins Breast Center such surgery. And certainly we offer options for breast reconstruction, by our highly skilled board certified breast plastic reconstructive surgeons, including the DIEP flap, where only fat and skin are used, and no muscle. Please call Shelia @ 443-287-BRST (2778) for an appoinment. Also, go to our Johns Hopkins Breast Center web site, and click on reconstruction. You can watch animations of various reconstructive surgery. Hope this helps, and kudos to you for being an educated, proactive woman! | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.