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[onlinescoop]

I am 63yo, postmenopausal, not on hrt.a palpable lump was biopsied and is a benign papilloma.  My first papilloma.  I have extreme dense breasts.  History of many cysts.

I must have a lumpectomy to confirm benign papilloma.

I am thinking of having double mastectomy even if benign.  What are your thoughts?

[CLKD]

It's difficult.  If it's benign now, my query would be about the chances of any future lumps being problematic.

When I went for my 2nd appt following surgery (1995) - our Consultant rang to tell us that the non sinister lump which he had removed that week had shown 'changes at the margins'.  I did decide then that should it be necessary I would have both breasts removed but his words: "women with this condition rarely opt for mastectomy as it isn't necessary" ....... never thought about it even when he asked 18 months later whether I had considered removal.

I also got a different relationship with my breasts so would find the decision more difficult these days. 

This is your body.  U don't need to rush into a decision - make a list of concerns to talk to the Consultant about. 

[Mary G]

It's great to hear it was benign but obviously you have been put through a lot of worry.  If a double mastectomy would put your mind at rest and reduce future risk I would definitely do it.

Personally, one whiff of risk and I would have a double mastectomy ie familial breast cancer risk, any suspicious lump that had the potential to turn into something sinister later on and I would definitely ask for both breasts to be removed even if I only had a problem in one breast.

I would want breast reconstruction too preferably in the same operation.

[bombsh3ll]

I had my cancerbags removed at 29 and it was the best "decision" I ever made. I feel so free, never have to endure the angst of mammograms or screening and can take the pill, and hormone therapy when the time comes with zero fear.

I had 7 affected relatives, young ages, one with bilateral disease and one with ovarian.

I didn't want to be next, it wasn't even a something I deliberated over - I read a magazine article in my teens about someone who had preventative mastectomies and from that moment I fought tooth and nail for it until I got it!

My breasts were also extremely dense. I was lucky enough to get my surgery on the NHS when I was 29 but I had already decided that if I reached 30 I would self fund it rather than wait any longer.

I was considered so deviant for prioritising my own survival and wellbeing above the male gaze that I had to see two psychologists before being approved, however I remain unapologetic for my choice and would like to see access to risk reducing surgery widened.

If something was growing on a man that had the same chance of turning cancerous, it would just be removed without any quibbling!

[CLKD]

I would not have opted for reconstruction ........

Let us know what U decide after you've chatted with a Consultant. 

[onlinescoop]

Thank you so much for all your replies.  I appreciate it so much.
I went to a female breast surgeon and she said if the upcoming MRI diagnostic, and lumpectomy are benign, then I should NOT have a double mastectomy.  She said that I risk having pain for life.  I don't think most women have pain for life.  So I am doubting her.

I will report back after the MRI and lumpectomy.  Take care and thanks again.

[bombsh3ll]

I have interacted with lots of women with risk reducing mastectomy and ongoing pain is uncommon.

I think she is confusing prophylactic surgery with cancer surgery where they really have to dig to get it all out and there is often radiotherapy too, so some of these do have ongoing neuropathic pain.

The only discomfort I had was from the silicone implants I was forced to have as a condition of the surgery due to my young age - these have now been removed and I have no discomfort at all.

There are other reconstructive procedures where they harvest skin and other tissues from the back, abdomen or thigh, and these tend to cause pain at the graft site, not on the chest.

The bottom line is that surgeons don't like removing "healthy" breast tissue. Their focus is very narrow and they do not look at people holistically or consider the psychological benefits of risk reducing surgery.

[CLKD]

Again I would not opt for implants as changes can be growing behind but not seen on mammogram. 

Also don't feel rushed into anything that U R not comfortable about. 


Let us know how you get on!

[bombsh3ll]

I would like to think things have moved on since I was forced to have implants, it was 16 years ago and there is a lot more advocacy now for going flat.

The terminology around aesthetic flat closure didn't exist although my surgeon knew jolly well that I didn't want to be stuffed with silicone. I had fought for my surgery for a decade, throughout which I had imagined my chest would be flat, so being told I had to have a replica of my would-be assassins attached to me was cruel and horrifying.

Thankfully implants are easy to remove and I was able to get them removed under local anesthetic.

Also I don't think older women are put under the same pressure to prioritise their appearance above their physical and mental health in the same way as younger women often are.