Key Aspects of Prophylactic Surgery: Which Public Should know : Dr Sharda Jain

Key Aspects of Prophylactic Surgery: Which Public Should know : Dr Sharda Jain

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  Key Aspects ofProphylactic Surgery: Which Public Should know Dr Jyoti Agarwal Dr Sharda Jain
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  BRCA Gene Mutations Womenwith BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have up to a 65-85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy can reduce this risk by up to 90%.
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  Types of ProphylacticSurgery • Prophylactic Mastectomy: Involves removing one or both breasts to reduce the risk of breast cancer. This surgery can be either: – Total mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. – Skin-sparing mastectomy: Leaves most of the breast skin intact, often performed when immediate breast reconstruction is planned.
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  Prophylactic Oophorectomy Removal ofthe ovaries can also lower the risk of breast cancer, as it reduces the production of estrogen, which fuels some types of breast cancer. This is especially recommended for BRCA mutation carriers, as it also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
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  Risk-Reducing Impact: • Studiesshow that women who undergo prophylactic mastectomy can reduce their breast cancer risk by 90-95%. • Oophorectomy reduces breast cancer risk by about 50% in premenopausal women and lowers the risk of ovarian cancer by 80%.
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  Psychosocial Considerations While prophylacticsurgeries drastically reduce the risk, they are significant life decisions. Women must consider the emotional and psychological impact of losing their breasts, which are often tied to their identity and body image. Supportive counseling before and after the surgery is crucial.
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  Breast Reconstruction After prophylacticmastectomy, many women opt for immediate breast reconstruction, either with implants or tissue from other parts of the body. Advances in reconstructive surgery have greatly improved outcomes, helping women maintain a more natural appearance and body confidence post-surgery.
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  Note for Everyone Prophylacticsurgery is typically recommended only for women at very high risk (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers). Women with moderate or low risk are usually advised to consider other preventive measures like enhanced surveillance (regular mammograms, MRIs), lifestyle changes, or chemoprevention.
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  Informed Decision Women consideringprophylactic surgery must have a detailed discussion with their healthcare providers, weighing the benefits, risks, and potential psychological impact. Genetic counseling is also crucial for women with family histories of breast cancer to understand their risk and options.
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  In conclusion, whileprophylactic surgery is an effective preventive option for high-risk women, it should be approached with careful consideration of medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors, ensuring that the decision aligns with the woman’s overall health and quality of life goals.
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  Thank YOU