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Breast Shrinkage 10 Years After Radiation for Breast Cancer?

asked 10 months ago by jessica0927 in Fort Myers, FL
Latest answer by David Bogue, MD
Question viewed 497 times
Tags: breast cancer, lumpectomy, normal, radiation, shrink

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?

3 answers to Breast Shrinkage 10 Years After Radiation for Breast Cancer?

+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... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+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.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+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.
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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