Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

Anees B Chagpar

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2014.03.008

Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2014 Jul;23(3):423-30. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2014.03.008. Epub 2014 Apr 14.

Author

Anees B Chagpar¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 20 York Street, 1st Floor, Suite A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Electronic address: anees.chagpar@yale.edu.

PMID: 24882342
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2014.03.008

Abstract

With increasing public awareness of the risk for breast cancer and modern techniques of reconstruction, the option of surgical prophylaxis for risk reduction is becoming increasingly popular. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy for women at increased risk of developing breast cancer and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy for those with unilateral breast cancer seeking symmetry, risk reduction, and ease of follow-up are acceptable options for many women. However, prophylactic surgery is not an inconsequential decision, and careful consideration should be given to the risks and benefits of such procedures.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Prophylactic mastectomy; Risk; Surgery.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
Breast Neoplasms / genetics
Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
Breast Neoplasms / surgery
Female
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Humans
Mastectomy* / methods
Mastectomy* / psychology
Prophylactic Surgical Procedures*
Risk Assessment
Risk Reduction Behavior