Breast Cancer in Breast Reduction

Every woman should have a proper breast exam prior to any breast surgery, to avoid any surprises during the surgery.  However, there is always a small chance that something abnormal is found during or after breast reduction surgery.  Because every women, regardless of age, has a potential for breast cancer, all breast tissue removed during breast reduction surgery is examined by a Pathologist under a microscope to ensure that no abnormalities are found.  Less then 1% of women who undergo breast reduction have abnormalities found in the removed tissue.  In such a situation, one of our breast cancer specialists will review the findings with you and formulate a plan of action.

Monitoring for Breast Cancer after a Breast Reduction

Following a breast reduction, you should wait for 6 months to allow the breast tissue to heal and for scars to settle down somewhat.  Then, after 6 months, it may be appropriate to get a mammogram which will be used in the future as the base-line mammogram to which all future mammograms will be compared.