Nipple sparing mastectomy

[sharylb]

I have been diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0 breast cancer in 2 places in my right breast. I am planning a skin/nipple saving mastectomy. The surgeon tells me the nipple could die. How high is that chance?

[alidi]

Do you have a history of Breast Cancer in your family? Why your doctor is recommending a Mastectomy? As I understand DCIS is Ductal Carcinoma in SITU= NO CANCER HAS DEVELOPED, and Stage 0 ?
You may have Breast Cancer at a later time or never. I suggest ,you must get a second or a third opinion. If I am wrong the ladies on tis forum must correct me. By the way, I had the Lumpectomy and Radiation for Invasive Carcinoma Stage1, I have my whole Breast ,intact only a three inch scar that is healing well. I am working, exercising and feeling good.
God Bless

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

I don't know the percentages of success/failure for this procedure either, but here is a link to an article it.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/709647?src=emailthis

Best wishes...

[katarina777]

I just wanted to add, although you probably already know this, that the risk of the nipple dying is unrelated to the  breast cancer.  The PS gave a friend of mine this warning when she had a breast reduction.

I know it doesn't feel very good to have to live with that possibility/risk. KAT

[SueYoung55]

I don't know that there is any particular percentage in general. However, I would ask your PS what his/her percentage is. I would not attempt this with a PS that hasn't done several thousand nipple sparing mastectomy's. Physicians of excellence will obviously have a minute percentage of nipple failure.

What kind of reconstruction are you having? Expander to implant? One step? DIEP? SGAP?

Having been through the reconstruction phase myself I'm going to suggest you really go out of your way to get to a doctor of excellence. It really makes a HUGE difference.

Best wishes!