Bilateral Mastectomy

A Bilateral Mastectomy involves removing both breasts from the patient. This procedure is used in only a small percentage of breast cancer cases because it is so extreme. Emotional trauma weighs heavily in this procedure along with the obvious physical aspects of cost and recovery. In 1995-1996, two of the genes associated with breast cancer were discovered, BRCA1 and 2. Women who test positive for these genes have about an 85% chance of getting breast cancer. Of that 85%, half will contract the disease before the age of 55. Other preventive measures are available however; a bilateral mastectomy nearly eliminates the risk completely. The breasts are reconstructed after the procedure with saline implants or with tissue from the patient's abdomen.