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| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 6/11/2012 | I have stage 3 cancer and will undergo radiation after mastectomy. My question : Will implant or expander during mastectomy compromize effectivness of radiation. I have two opinions related to immediate reconstruction from the two highly regarded programs and they are diffent. My care team thinks that implant does not compromize effectivness. Interpretation of the current data of other program is: that post-mastectomy radiation is best performed without any compromises when the reconstruction is delayed. I have to make a decision and schedule the surgery this week Please advice | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 6/12/2012 | Here @ Johns Hopkins, when we know a patient is to undergo radiation, we would perform the mastectomy and place the tissue expander in place. We place the expander, first, as this is the 'work horse', and 'space saver' in preparation for the final reconstruction. We do not want the final product radiated, so the expander takes the the 'hit' so to speak. It has nothing to do with whether expander or implant compromizes effectiveness of radiaiton (which neither does). It has to do with final cosmetic result. Radiation can result in 'capsular' contraction, a hardening/thickening around the implant, so instead, the expander receives it. At some point after treatment complete, we would then proceed with the fianl reconstruction, which could be with a saline or silicone implant, or even an autologous reconstruction, using a patient's own tissue. Hope this helps and best wishes! | ||
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