I just read an article that said a lot of board-certified surgeons in CA reported they are still using traditional techniques for mastectomy, cutting across the whole breast and leaving unnecessary scars.
Why would surgeons do that instead of using skin-sparing mastectomy technique? Is there any reason that would justify not performing a skin-sparing mastectomy in favor of a traditional (and disfiguring) mastectomy?
The choice of the type of incision for a mastectomy should first be aimed at treating the disease and second at getting the best cosmetic result. Cancers can be advanced, large, and found in larger breasted women, all of which do not lend themselves to a skin sparing approach. Remember, a longer incision does not necessarily equal a "disfiguring" operation when you take into account the whole purpose of the procedure: the cure of the cancer.
The best candidates for a skin sparing mastectomy are those with early breast cancers and small to medium sized breasts. Those with larger breasts are often better served with a traditional mastectomy.
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