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Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction Questions about Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction. |
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| 7/12/2011 | Dear Lillie: I am considering bi-lateral mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. I am eligible for the DIEP. My plastic surgeon said it is best to do the required radiation on the left breast first then at least 6 months later do the mastectomies and reconstruction simultaneously. This all seemed great to me until my breast surgeon said she would not do a mastectomy on an already radiated breast. Is this normal, and is there some reason why it should not be done? It means an additional surgery before the radiation (I already started with a lumpectomy) and I am not sure my heart can stand up to it all. Thanks, | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 7/12/2011 | Let's look at a typical scenario--- a woman originally has a lumpectomy with radiation therapy. she falls into the 10% who develop local recurrence in the breast. She then has skin sparing mastectomy with tissue expander inserted as a space holder and gets on with any other treatment that may be needed. Then returns to have the tissue expander removed and diep flap performed. perhaps your surgeon isn't accustomed to doing skin sparing following previously radiated tissue??? If however you have had lumpectomy, still have a margin problem, the next step is NOT radiation but instead to do mastectomy with tissue expander. If radiation still needed get it done then and then do diep flap reconstruction 8-9 months later. you can always come to us. you want to be sure you are in good experienced hands. 443-287-2778. | ||
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