Removal of nipple and areola

kem510

I am posting this in several topics, because I need to get different perspectives......



OMG I am so confused. In FL my surgeon, a good one, said a definite MX for Paget's disease on my nipple and areola. All tests reveal that inside my breats are clear of any cancer. With Paget's there is 97% chance of invasive cancer. So that is great for me, but when I went to MDA Houston, I was told that I was a candidate for a lumpectomy.



I need to tell you I am 60. In a way, during all of this I divorced my R breast and prepared my mind for a MX with some kind of recon. My recon options in my home town were implants only. Thus, I had to travel and MDA was in my network and I have family in TX. This extra choice of lumpectomy has me confused.



The lumpectomy will take my areola, nipple, and enough tissue to get a good margin. The nipple has the most nerve endings and with removal my breasts will probably feel numb. And I am guessing that I might have phantom pains, itching, etc. as if I had a MX. In addition, I will need 6 weeks of radiation. On top of that I will need to stay on top of monitoring that breast with imaging. I have to ask mammogram or MRI. If MRI every year, that is additional costs every year.



I was all set in my mind for a MX to remove a diseased breast. I'm trying to be open to other options. But THIS type of lumpectomy where the NIPPLE IS REMOVED doesn't sound like the lumpectomy that most women have.



I need information so that I can ask intelligent questions and make a decision. My mind is going into spirals. Going for a series of consultations tomorrow at MDA. Seeing a breast recon dr., radiation oncologist, and the surgical oncologist (the one who recommended lumpectomy - but will do MX if I want).

Paula66

kem I didn't know had pagents until I did have a BMX.  It came back in the final path report.  Both my BS and ONC were stunned, but had told me the only way to get rid of it was a BMX. Did they find any other cancers along with the pagents.  It is my understanding with pagets there is also another cancer with it.  It usually DCIS. I dont know if they have told you that or not. I did have phatom pains along with the usual stuff that goes along with the healing process but it has let up.  I still do have no feeling in my foob area.  I will take that over wondering if my cancer would ever come back.  I am a bad one when it comes to wanting to save the breast. I just wanted it gone for piece of mind.  Good Luck with your visit tommorrow and keep us posted