Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Angelina Jolie and Breast Cancer Reconstruction

I applaud Angelina Jolie's candid approach to her recent treatment for breast cancer.  Because of her “star” status, she is able to put a significant spotlight upon current issues in breast cancer treatment today.  This includes the BRCA gene, which places her at high risk for breast cancer, that many people may not know much about.   It also highlights her approach to this situation with her getting prophylactic bilateral mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander implants.

 Many people may wonder why someone would want to undergo bilateral mastectomies at this stage of her life while not actually having breast cancer but having a high risk gene.   She explains it quite well:  she wants to decrease her chances as best as possible, even at the cost of losing her breasts.   The complete removal of the breast tissue (mastectomy) early on decreases the chances for breast cancer significantly in the future.   In the meantime, she can undergo breast reconstruction which will still allow her to have excellent breast aesthetics.   By undergoing prophylactic mastectomy with nipple preservation, she will also avoid any radiation treatment which can severely deform the breasts--radiation has its own set of problems including wound issues, implant infections, contracture, radiation changes to the heart and lung.

 The other option that she may have considered is autologous breast reconstruction using her own tissues without an implant. This includes the DIEP breast flaps from her abdomen transplanted to her chest via microsurgical technique which would preserve her “super six pack.”   This would allow her to have breast reconstruction at the same time with her own tissues and would get a potential tummy tuck as well.    My guess is that Angelina Jolie did not have enough abdominal tissue to undergo bilateral breast reconstruction and that is why she chose tissue expander and implants.   She will need to undergo several expander injections and another operation for a final silicone implant.

It is very common now for me to see patients who seek to undergo prophylactic mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction.  It allows the patient to be treated at an earlier stage stage in a proactive way,  based on genetic information or early diagnosis.  Our team of breast surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons can treat women in the same, proactive way that Angelina Jolie sought with outstanding results.  

I thank and applaud Angelina Jolie’s courage in sharing this deep and personal part of her life to help others.   She is a super star in my book.

 

 

12 comments:

Unknown said...

In the current time, the number of breast cancer victims are increasing in number. About 40 percent of the women have the risk of developing this. The main reason for this is the modern and reckless lifestyle. There is no complete cure to remove the cancer cells and the only solution is breast reconstruction surgery.

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Your Cosmetic Surgery said...

Interesting read. If it is true that Angelina Jolie had bilateral mastectomies to decrease her risk percentage of having breast cancer, then i can only commend her for that. For an affordable breast augmentation in Manila, do check us out. Thanks.

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Unknown said...

Angelina Jolie is a huge inspiration to women with breast cancer. My aunt was recently diagnosed, and she decided that she too wanted to be like Angelina, so she's finding a plastic surgeon that's near her. To me, it's wonderful that Angelina has been able to inspire so many women that have breast cancer, and also inspire those who know people with breast cancer. She is a great example how you should use you fame.
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Anonymous said...

Angelina Jolie (born Angelina Jolie Voight; June 4, 1975), is an American actress and filmmaker. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood’s highest.......Read More