Diagnosis "Breast Cancer"

.  A diagnosis of breast cancer can have devastating effects on a women and her family. Unfortunately, there are about 200,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year.  The lifetime risk is that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Some women may have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer.  Most of these women have a strong family history of breast cancer among immediate family members. For these women a blood test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is often recommended by their medical oncologist.  Importantly, for women who test positive for these genes, there is about an 80% chance of breast cancer and a 40% chance of ovarian cancer.    . Bilateral prophylactic mastectomies are recommended for those women with positive gene tests, without a breast cancer.  For those women who have, or have had a breast cancer, a prophylactic mastectomy for the other breast is recommended.  Also, prophylactic oophorectomy is recommended for women above the child bearing age.  . While early detection, better chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and other treatments have evolved in recent years, surgical removal of the breasts; or part of the breast is still often necessary.  These surgical procedures are called mastectomies.  Some surgeries involve partial or limited removal of breast tissues, such as a lumpectomy, while still others remove more breast skin along with the breast tissue.  . Newer techniques are called “skin-sparing” and “nipple-sparing” mastectomies because they preserve much of the breast skin and for some cases the nipple as well. The option for the treatment for your breast cancer is a decision you will make with your oncologist and oncologic breast surgeon.  . If mastectomy is part of your treatment plan then you may also wish to consider breast reconstruction.  Breast reconstruction following mastectomy can be an important part of maintaining or restoring your body image and your sense of self.  Breast Reconstruction can help to deal with this sense of loss.  . Patients are sometimes wondering if they are candidates for reconstruction - if breast reconstruction is right for them.  . Because of the variety of techniques available breast reconstruction may be considered for woman regardless of their age, or whether she is many years following mastectomy.Breast reconstruction can be accomplished by many different techniques, each with advantages and disadvantages.  . Our philosophy is that the optimal breast reconstruction is one that restores the breast with soft, warm, natural, living tissues.  . Importantly, because we perform the full range of breast reconstruction procedures, the choice for your reconstruction will be made on the basis of your specific needs and condition. .  We are here to help you to understand your options so that you are empowered to make an informed decision about what is best for you.

 

            Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reconstructive Surgery.  Located in Manhattan, New York City, NY and servicing Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, New Jersey,  NJ, Conneticut, CT and Westchester.  Call for your Plastic Surgery appointment to meet with Dr. Valauri.

47 East 77th Street • Suite 201 • New York, NY 10021 • Phone: 212-439-0080 •

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