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I was just reading an op-ed piece in The New York Times in which a breast cancer survivor asserted that having reconstruction following a mastectomy makes it more difficult for a reoccurrence to be detected. I'm just wondering if this is true.
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Sure. May take a little time to hear from Georgetown University. Did you share the OP-ED piece from the New York Times with her? Maybe she'd like to discuss it with her doctor.
January 1, 2009 - 3:46pmThis Comment
I personally haven't had breast reconstructive surgery, but I have a really good friend who has. I'm pretty sure she was never told that there might be a problem with finding reoccurring breast cancer due to reconstruction. I was just curious for her sake, and for others who might not have this information -- if indeed it is relevant. Thanks so much for looking into it!
January 1, 2009 - 12:19pmThis Comment
Great question. According to Imaginis, it appears that breast reconstruction rarely hides recurrent breast cancer. "Local recurrences with implants are most often in front of the implant, and recurrences with TRAM flap procedures are along the edge of the breast skin (not in the flap)."
However, we have submitted your question to an expert at Georgetown University which is one of the best breast reconstruction centers in the country. We hope to have an answer for you by next week. Are you considering reconstructive surgery or have you had it?
January 1, 2009 - 8:24amThis Comment