Surgeon to discuss breast reconstruction options
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Last summer actress Christina Applegate raised awareness about breast reconstruction surgery after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to have a double mastectomy.
Ms. Applegate, 36, had a history of breast cancer in her family and had tested positive for the BRCA1 gene, so even though she only had lumps in one breast, she decided to have both breasts removed and have reconstructive surgery. She spoke about her experience on many news programs, as well as Oprah.
Although many breast cancer patients may not need to take this approach, it is important for them to know their options when it comes to breast reconstruction. The community can learn more about these options in February, when the Backus Nursing and Community Education Department's Head to Toe lecture series features Vinod Pathy, MD, a boardcertified surgeon, who will discuss "Reconstruction, Reduction and Augmentation of the Breasts."
Dr. Pathy performs breast reconstructions as part of treatment for breast cancer, which can include a lumpectomy, a mastectomy or a modified radical mastectomy. Patients have many options now to have reconstructive surgery as part of their treatment.
"People may be more aware that reconstructive surgery is available, but there are misconceptions and potential patients may not fully understand all the options they have," Dr. Pathy said. He will discuss different types of surgeries and answer questions from the audience.
Breast reduction and breast augmentation also will be discussed at the presentation. Sometimes breast reduction surgery can alleviate back, neck and shoulder problems. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to increase breast size, and Dr. Pathy will discuss saline and silicone implants as well as different placement options.
He also will discuss what patients can expect for recovery time for the procedures.
"This will give people an idea of all the options we offer," Dr. Pathy said. "If the information piques someone's interest, we can discuss specifics in an office-based setting as well." At individual appointments he uses a computer to illustrate the procedures and options.
"This helps people understand and visualize the operation and results," he said.
The program will be Feb. 12, from 6:30-8 p.m. Future programs will be on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the entry-level conference rooms at Backus. The programs are free, but registration is requested. Light refreshments will be served. To register, call 823-6313.
Upcoming topics include:
January 8: "Stomach Well: 10 Healthy Fun Foods to Sample and Savor"
March 12: "Lyme Disease and other Tick-Borne Diseases," Michael Rajkumar, MD
April 9: "Vitamins and Herbal Medicines - Helpful or Harmful?" Backus Hospital Pharmacists
May 14: "Exercise is Fun and Saves Gas, Too!" Backus Hospital Physical Therapists
June 11: "Oh, My Aching Feet!" Eric Levine, DPM, Podiatrist