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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
bilateral mastectomy??
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
bilateral mastectomy??
by lucymullis, Aug 01, 2007 12:00AM
I just received my genetic testing results. I am BRCA2 positive. I have read that BRCA2 carriers are more sensitive to chemo. Is that correct? I am scheduled to see a breast surgeon, getting relatives tested, and have lots of information. I am very interested in your recommendation about BM. Thanks so much.
Patsy
stage IIIc diagnosis 8/06, NED now
Patsy
stage IIIc diagnosis 8/06, NED now
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Aug 01, 2007 12:00AM
, Aug 01, 2007 12:00AM
Hi There,
You are going to get so much information from your many visits. You can also go to Google and type in BRCA 2. You will get many, many hits. As a general statement, women with cancer who have these gene mutations seem to have a better prognosis.
As far as bilateral mastectomy, that has been a frequent recommendation for women with BRCA mutations.
here are the risks of these cancers:
BRCA1 Mutation
50 percent to 85 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer
40 percent to 60 percent lifetime risk for second breast cancer (not reappearance of first tumor)
20 percent to 60 percent lifetime risk for ovarian cancer
increased risk for other cancer types, such as prostate cancer
BRCA2 Mutation
59 percent to 82 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer (in females)
6 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer (in males)
up to 27 percent lifetime risk for ovarian cancer
increased risk for other cancer types, such as pancreatic, prostate, laryngeal, stomach cancer, and melanoma
because the risk of breast cancer is so high, many oncologists will recommend a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
best wishes with your appointments.
You are going to get so much information from your many visits. You can also go to Google and type in BRCA 2. You will get many, many hits. As a general statement, women with cancer who have these gene mutations seem to have a better prognosis.
As far as bilateral mastectomy, that has been a frequent recommendation for women with BRCA mutations.
here are the risks of these cancers:
BRCA1 Mutation
50 percent to 85 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer
40 percent to 60 percent lifetime risk for second breast cancer (not reappearance of first tumor)
20 percent to 60 percent lifetime risk for ovarian cancer
increased risk for other cancer types, such as prostate cancer
BRCA2 Mutation
59 percent to 82 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer (in females)
6 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer (in males)
up to 27 percent lifetime risk for ovarian cancer
increased risk for other cancer types, such as pancreatic, prostate, laryngeal, stomach cancer, and melanoma
because the risk of breast cancer is so high, many oncologists will recommend a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
best wishes with your appointments.
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I have thought alot about what I would do in the many crisis situations that my wonderful patients deal with.
I think it is easy to say what one would do when it is just theoretical and very difficult when it is real.
so theoretically I personally would have my ovaries removed. I am not sure if I could undergo a prophylactic mastectomy.
But i also appreciate that decision making is different when you have alot at stake with a known BRCA mutation.
best wishes