Our Summary

This research paper talks about the increasing use of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for treating non-spreading breast cancer. These methods are becoming popular as they are equally effective as the traditional radical modified mastectomy, but also help to maintain the patient’s body image. However, there’s still ongoing debate about the safety of these techniques, especially when there’s lack of studies comparing these with the conventional methods. The paper also mentions the lack of guidelines for post-surgery treatment, like radiotherapy, after NSM or SSM. The aim of this paper is to review the recent data, which could help medical teams improve treatment for such patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the benefits of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) over a traditional radical modified mastectomy?
  2. What are the potential safety concerns associated with NSM and SSM?
  3. Are there established guidelines for post-surgery treatment, such as radiotherapy, after undergoing a NSM or SSM?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a radical mastectomy to make sure to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications or signs of recurrence. It is also important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in their symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with advanced stages of breast cancer, larger tumor sizes, involvement of multiple lymph nodes, or tumors that are close to the chest wall. Additionally, patients with certain genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing breast cancer may also be recommended for radical mastectomy. These patients may benefit from the extensive removal of breast tissue and lymph nodes to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with non-spreading breast cancer and consults with a medical team about treatment options
  • Medical team discusses the possibility of undergoing a radical mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), or skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM)
  • Patient decides to undergo a radical mastectomy and schedules surgery
  • Surgery is performed, removing the entire breast, underlying muscle, and lymph nodes
  • Patient undergoes post-operative recovery and healing process
  • Patient may experience physical and emotional challenges during the recovery period
  • Patient may opt for breast reconstruction surgery to restore their body image
  • Patient continues with follow-up appointments and may undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy if necessary
  • Patient continues with long-term monitoring and survivorship care

After NSM or SSM:

  • Patient is diagnosed with non-spreading breast cancer and consults with a medical team about treatment options
  • Medical team discusses the possibility of undergoing a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) or skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM)
  • Patient decides to undergo NSM or SSM and schedules surgery
  • Surgery is performed, preserving the nipple and skin envelope while removing breast tissue
  • Patient undergoes post-operative recovery and healing process
  • Patient may experience physical and emotional challenges during the recovery period
  • Patient may opt for breast reconstruction surgery to restore their body image
  • Patient continues with follow-up appointments and may undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy if necessary
  • Patient continues with long-term monitoring and survivorship care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing a radical mastectomy compared to nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy?

  2. Are there any specific factors that make me a good candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy over a traditional radical mastectomy?

  3. What is the likelihood of the cancer recurring after undergoing a radical mastectomy versus a nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy?

  4. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy that I should be aware of?

  5. What are the guidelines for post-surgery treatment, such as radiation therapy, following a nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy?

  6. Can you provide me with information about the success rates of nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy in terms of cancer control and overall survival compared to radical mastectomy?

  7. How will undergoing a nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy affect my body image and quality of life compared to a radical mastectomy?

  8. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies that are investigating the safety and effectiveness of nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy in comparison to radical mastectomy?

  9. What is the recovery process like for nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy compared to radical mastectomy, and what kind of support can I expect during this time?

  10. Can you provide me with resources or additional information to help me make an informed decision about which type of mastectomy is best for me?

Reference

Authors: Bernier J. Journal: Ecancermedicalscience. 2018 May 11;12:834. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2018.834. eCollection 2018. PMID: 29910831