Very painful fibrocystic breasts - is mastectomy an option? Cost and insurance coverage are not an issue! I can self pay

Question

A year ago, I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts after finding several painful cysts and a fibroadenoma. Testing has shown that the masses are not cancerous. I am, however, 28 and a childhood leukemia survivor, and my paternal grandmother had reoccurring breast cancer. I am in the process of losing around 100 pounds, and I want to wait so do surgery until that is completed. My question is: is mastectomy an option since I am in pain? I'm okay being flat and not interested in reconstruction!

Leslie Memsic, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on surviving childhood leukemia and good luck on your weight loss journey. Mastectomy is absolutely an option to relieve you of your tender breasts as well as remove any masses (like fibroadenomas) and minimize your risk of developing breast cancer.. Your family history of breast cancer makes you at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer yourself, as if the average risk of 12 percent (one in eight women) isnt enough.Insurance likely will pay for your prophylactic mastectomies as well. However, while this may be the best option for you - depending upon how painful and dense your breasts are, mastectomy and reconstruction is not a procedure to be taken lightly. It requires hospitalization and recovery and may have complications such as bleeding, infection, pain and cosmetic issues. Sensation of the breast and nipples is always altered in some way and may actually be numb. Set up consultations with some breast specialists and plastic surgeons and discuss the procedure with them. And be sure to ask to look at pictures! Good luck and take care.

Heather Richardson, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your ongoing quest for a healthier you! There are many fantastic non-surgical options to reduce breast pain and one of the most common reasons for visits to our clinic. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, a lift or reduction is an excellent way to accomplish your goals without the downsize or risks associated with mastectomy. Yes- it is always an option to perform a mastectomy, but it's not as simple as just making the breasts "go away". It would be like saying "I have a toothache so I think I'll have the dentist pull all of my teeth out" when a more direct solution is available. (And having no teeth creates new problems!) Good luck!

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,I am very sorry to hear that you have to go through this. I would advise you to find board-certified general/breast surgeon in the area and have a proper consultation. Make sure you tried non-surgical options. Make sure to look into complications of mastectomy, long-term side effects, and neuropathies, to be aware of potential pain you may get from a mastectomy. Genetic screening/consultation for breast cancer risk is a must. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, then it would be easier to discuss prophylactic mastectomy.

Very painful fibrocystic breasts - is mastectomy an option? Cost and insurance coverage are not an issue! I can self pay

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Very painful fibrocystic breasts - is mastectomy an option? Cost and insurance coverage are not an issue! I can self pay

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Everything you need to know about Mastectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.