Probable reoccurrence in other side...options??

Bigdogzmama

I have had a MRI which shows a small mass. My oncologist recommended a mastectomy, as my chances are quite high for cancer to be in remaining breast. What are my options?? I am choosing not go have a biopsy and just the mastectomy, but I feel limited with reconstruction. My first was a TRAM flap done 8 yrs ago. I saw a PS but not the same one ( insurance issue). He was like, I can have an implant but will need to make me SMALLER! This is making me unhappy and questioning if lumpectomy would be better. Help!

KBeee

One option would obviously have a biopsy to determine if it's cancer. If it isn't then you need to do nothing. If you want to skip that, then you can opt for lumpectomy, which if it's cancer, would be followed by radiation, or you could choose mastectomy. If you have mastectomy, then you could opt for immediate reconstruction, or wait. If you wait, you could interview multiple PSs for opinions. One option would be a TRAM flap, there's DIEP flap, LAT flap, and another flap (GAP flap perhaps?) where they take tissue from your buttocks. There also is the possibility of implant. They may have to do reduction or some adjusting on the other side since it's a different type of reconstruction, to get symmetry. My mom had single mastectomy with no reconstruction in 1006. She had a new primary last year in the opposite breast. She had a mastectomy, and then had reconstruction in both breasts. Things look good.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Hoping you can find some docs who have good options for you.