Mastectomy with Immediate reconstruction.

[suzieb54]

I have recently had a sub areolar excision to remove a 1.6cm tumour in my right breast. I got my results from this yesterday.  I have been given the option of a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction or a further wide local excision with removal of the nipple and areola complex as I have been diagnosed with Grade 3 IDC and more tissue needs to be taken to obtain a completely clear margin.  I will also need sentinel node biopsy. If I take the lesser option I will also need radiotherapy for 6 weeks.  I have 24 hours to make a decision and am trying to get as much info as I can.  At the moment I am thinking that the best option would be a mastectomy because then the cancer is less likely to recur.  I am considering whether to have the LD back flap procedure or the abdominal procedure. Would  a small area of old stretch marks on my tummy exclude me from having a breast reconstruction using the TRAM or DIEP procedure and which would give the best cosmetic result? I am 56 years old.  I have also been informed that I could have later surgery to reconstruct a nipple on the reconstructed side and also surgery to reduce and match up my remaining breast.  

[suzieb54]

Thanks for this,  there's a lot of useful information there.  Breasts of a 25 year old sound great!!!  Still would like to know whether the fact I have some fine stretch marks from my pregnancies would make a difference to the eventual cosmetic outcome of the live tissue reconstructions if anyone could tell me please.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Here is a link that will give you excellent information concerning mastectomy and different types of breast reconstruction, issued by one of our member "Sue Young55"

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880?personal_page_id=384050#post_5995708.

Best wishes...

[suzieb54]

I meant to post this in the Ask an Expert/Doctor Breast cancer forum but couldn't work out how to do it so I hope that someone with some knowledge see this.