BRCA, or the “breast cancer gene,” has made headlines with regards to women who present with mutated this or other mutated genes that increase their risk of development of breast cancer. Lifetime risk of breast cancer in some patients is as high as 85%.
Breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Only lung cancer surpasses this grim statistic.
According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in every 8 women in the U. S. will develop breast cancer. This year, over 42,000 women will die from breast cancer as well. With better and more effective diagnostic tests and screening, more women diagnosed with breast cancer survive with the proper treatment.
Understanding BRCA or Breast Cancer Gene Mutation
It is important to note that every human being has genes that they inherit from their parents. BRCA refers to two mutated genes. Research by many scientists suggest that BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risks of breast cancer substantially. Therefore, in people who test positive for these two gene mutations should certainly consider a preventative mastectomy.
These breast cancer genes do not actually cause breast cancer however. The genes are actually one of the body’s best cancer fighting mechanisms when they are in their normal state. In some, these genes have developed a mutation that prevents the genes from suppressing cancer tumors. Which thereby increases a woman’s risks for developing fast growing cancerous tumors.
Women Who Test Positive for BRCA Gene Mutations Have Options
The mutation of BRCA genes stops the normal cancer suppressing action that allows the gene to repair damaged DNA breaks. Women who test positive for these abnormal BRCA gene mutations often elect to undergo preventative surgery. A preventative mastectomy, or removal of the breast tissue, is an effort to prevent cancer from developing in breast tissue.
Reasons to Consider Zenn Delay Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Zenn is a leading plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC, known for his ample experience with breast reconstruction surgeries. He has developed a unique method of breast reconstruction for women who have been diagnosed with BRCA and who also elect to undergo a preventative breast removal. This preventative surgery takes place well before any signs of cancer are ever found.
Certainly, women should understand all of their options regarding breast reconstruction surgeries. Although Dr. Zenn does not treat breast cancer, he is responsible for developing a revolutionary method of breast reconstruction. In most all cases, reconstructive breast surgery can take place in just two weeks or so following a preventative mastectomy.
Traditional breast reconstruction cases delayed the breast implant and reconstruction for several long months. During this time, viable breast skin and nipple are preserved and the wait was thought to maximize better blood supply to the transplanted tissue following breast removal. Uncomfortable and bulky tissue expanders are usually placed to stretch the breast tissue skin enough to support a breast implant.
Know Your Breast Reconstruction Surgical Options
Women in this situation are encouraged to talk with their breast surgeon who will be doing the preventative breast removal about the Zenn Delay surgical option before undergoing the procedure. This is because the breast surgeon will need to take steps to preserve the woman’s natural breast skin and nipple area to get the best end results. This is often referred to as a nipple sparing procedure. It enables the preserved tissue to develop an adequate blood supply. Nipple sparing mastectomy is the ideal type of mastectomy for BRCA patients. Since they do not actually have cancer, it’s perfectly safe to save all the breast skin and the nipple complex.
What’s Different About the Zenn Delay Method?
Dr. Zenn perfected a faster and better method of ensuring a more natural breast reconstruction. This revolutionary procedure, Zenn Delay, only needs two weeks to attain the proper blood supply necessary for a successful outcome!
During that two weeks, the woman’s breast skin and nipple are able to heal. During this time the breast skin and nipple gain strength and also a new blood supply. The best part is that no tissue expanders are necessary since there is plenty of natural breast skin and it is already in the shape of a breast. The Zenn Delay method is applicable in most cases, even cases of previous surgery or radiation that might deter other plastic surgeons.
Get More Information by Scheduling a Consultation
Any woman who tests positive for BRCA mutated genes and are considering preventative mastectomies should schedule a consultation with Dr. Zenn to discuss reconstruction options going forward. Placement of the implant will not occur until two weeks following the breast removal mastectomy. However this delay of two weeks lowers the often high complication rate of immediate implant placement. Also this method is much quicker than the standard tissue expander-then implant placement route that takes many months to complete.
Since Dr. Zenn uses your own breast skin and nipple, the Zenn Delay end results are some of the most beautiful and natural appearing.
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Women with genetic mutations or a strong family history of breast cancer should consider preventative surgery in consultation with a breast surgeon.
Contact Zenn Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC, by visiting https://zennplasticsurgery.com anytime online or give us a call at (919) 480-3885.
