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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted On: October 09, 2012 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast topics

October, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBecause a portion of my practice deals specifically with breast augmentation, breast revision and breast reconstruction, the month of October is an extremely important month for us.  Breast cancer is considered the second most common breast cancer found in women after lung cancer.  One out of 8-1/2 women worldwide will develop one form of breast cancer.  Breast cancer is treatable if found early.  A monthly self-examination and annual mammography will greatly help to reduce death from a malignancy.  Detection of early stage breast cancer will greatly increase survivability of the woman.  Most breast cancer tumors are surgically removed.  Women who develop ductal carcinoma in situ or stage 0 have a 100% chance of survivability with treatment.  Those diagnosed with stage 2 have a 98% survivability at five years with surgery.  Women with stage 3, however, fall to 67% and stage 3B, down to 54%.  It is extremely important that women do self-breast examinations and annual mammograms in order to monitor and allow for surveillance of breast tumors.  Signs of breast cancer can include swelling of the breasts, armpits, enlarged lymph nodes or a palpable mass.  A lump can be painless and may have uneven edges.  They may be soft, tender and round.  There may be changes of the skin of the nipple areolar complex.  There can be fluid from the nipple itself.  There can also be changes in the shape and size of the breast.  Early signs of breast cancer do not always present with pain, however, if you do have pain in the breast or nipple area, consult your physician immediately.

Mammograms should be performed annually.  Surviving breast cancer should be the norm.  Reconstruction after the surgical procedure including partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy or modified radical mastectomy with lymphadenectomy or lymph node removal can be performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction.  Tissue expander implants or autologous tissue transfer can be performed to recreate a normal shape to your breast and recreate symmetry.