I am 15 years old and my mom had breast cancer. She carries the gene for it and if I carry the gene, she wants me to get my breasts cut off. I was wanted to know if i did have that done, would I be able to get breast implants at my age?
July 23, 2014
Answer: Testing for the BRACA gene Tough choices for a 15 year old to have to think about. But first things first. If your mother has tested positive for the BRACA gene then you will need to follow your physician's recommendations for if or when you need to be tested. If you test positive then a preventative subcutaneous mastectomy with implant reconstruction can be considered but too early to contemplate that at this point.
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July 23, 2014
Answer: Testing for the BRACA gene Tough choices for a 15 year old to have to think about. But first things first. If your mother has tested positive for the BRACA gene then you will need to follow your physician's recommendations for if or when you need to be tested. If you test positive then a preventative subcutaneous mastectomy with implant reconstruction can be considered but too early to contemplate that at this point.
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July 23, 2014
Answer: Prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction This is very young to consider mastectomy/reconstruction, and must be a difficult situation for your family to have to face. The timing of (or need for) prophylactic mastectomy should be decided by your oncologist/geneticist with you and your parents in agreement with the plan. Prophylactic mastectomies, even in high risk women, are much more common in the 20's and 30's than in the teens. It is unlikely, though not impossible, that you have such an elevated risk that the mastectomy would be advised this early. Giving your breasts time to develop, if deemed safe by your oncologist, would facilitate reconstruction since there would presumably be more breast skin for the reconstruction. The extra time to think about the decision may also change your views on the size, shape, and type of reconstruction you seek. Best wishes,-Erik Hoy, M.D.
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July 23, 2014
Answer: Prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction This is very young to consider mastectomy/reconstruction, and must be a difficult situation for your family to have to face. The timing of (or need for) prophylactic mastectomy should be decided by your oncologist/geneticist with you and your parents in agreement with the plan. Prophylactic mastectomies, even in high risk women, are much more common in the 20's and 30's than in the teens. It is unlikely, though not impossible, that you have such an elevated risk that the mastectomy would be advised this early. Giving your breasts time to develop, if deemed safe by your oncologist, would facilitate reconstruction since there would presumably be more breast skin for the reconstruction. The extra time to think about the decision may also change your views on the size, shape, and type of reconstruction you seek. Best wishes,-Erik Hoy, M.D.
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