The benefits of breast reduction surgery are obvious; in addition to giving patients a more comfortable breast size, a breast reduction can help alleviate common problems associated with large breasts such as neck and back pain, poor posture, a rash under the breast area, breathing problems, and difficulty engaging in physical activities.
But there may be another surprising benefit for those who opt to undergo this surgery. According to a new study presented at the 2009 conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Seattle, testing the excess fat and tissue removed during breast reduction surgery can lead to better cancer detection. Of the two hundred plus cases that were reviewed, cancerous or pre-cancerous cells were found in 12.4 percent of patients – yet, none of these cancerous or potentially cancerous lesions were found in the mammograms required prior to surgery.
For women fighting breast cancer, early detection is key. With about 90,000 women opting to undergo breast reduction surgery in 2008, there is a great potential to help better identify women who are at-risk for this disease.
Visit Southern Plastic Surgery’s website to learn more about Dr. Whiteman’s breast reduction and breast reconstruction surgery.