Breast Reconstruction: Q&A
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Breast Shrinkage 10 Years After Radiation for Breast Cancer?
Hi there. My mom is a 10 year breast cancer survivor treated with lumpectomy and radiation. She has recently noticed the treated breast has shrunk in size. She had a normal CBE and diagnostic mammogram. Is this normal for the breast to shrink in size after so many years? What can be done?
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3 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
jessica0927
in Fort Myers, FL
+1
Radiation effects are permanent and may cause long-lasting change.
The effects from breast radiation are permanent changes that can lead to progressive atrophy, fibrosis, and vascular compromise even years later. Contracture changes are common. It is often advised to perform operations on the contralateral breast to achieve a symmetrical appearance rather than to operate on the radiated breast. This is due to the significantly higher rates of complications that occur in radiated breasts. If one has to operate on the radiated breast, procedures which...
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+1
It is very common to see sever changes post radiation treatment
The common outcome of the radiation treatment of the breast tissue is shrinkage and breast changes. The treatment options are limited to flap reconstruction. The use of implants is not recommended because of complications and unsatisfactory results.
+1
Options to treat long term effects of radiation for breast cancer
Radiation treatment for breast cancer causes permanent changes to the breast which limits the surgical options. Shrinkage after ten years is uncommon though. Sometimes the natural changes to the unaffected breast make them look more asymmetrical. Regardless, options are to reduce/lift the unaffected breast or do a muscle flap procedure to the radiated side. Implants in a radiated breast are more prone to problems such as capsular contracture.
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