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Reduction Mammaplasty and Breast Cancer Screening
Yan T Ortiz-Pomales1, Priyanka Handa2, Mary S Newell2
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Emory University, 550 Peachtree Street, Suite 84300, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
Clinics in Plastic Surgery
|March 26, 2016
Summary
Breast reduction surgery is safe and does not hinder breast cancer detection. Women should follow standard mammography screening guidelines, as no special protocols are needed post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Breast reduction surgery is a common plastic surgery procedure.
- Concerns exist regarding its impact on breast cancer screening.
- Current literature suggests the procedure is safe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and impact of breast reduction surgery on breast cancer identification.
- To determine if unique screening protocols are necessary for patients undergoing or who have undergone breast reduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on breast reduction surgery and mammography.
- Analysis of imaging findings in post-surgical breast tissue.
- Assessment of diagnostic accuracy for malignancy in patients with reduced breasts.
Main Results:
- Breast reduction surgery is deemed safe and does not negatively affect the ability to identify breast cancer.
- No evidence supports the need for specialized screening protocols for these patients.
- Radiologists can differentiate post-surgical changes from malignancy on mammograms.
Conclusions:
- Breast reduction surgery does not compromise breast cancer screening.
- Patients should adhere to standard mammography guidelines (e.g., for women over 40).
- Post-surgical breast changes are distinguishable from cancer by experienced radiologists.
