Posted: October 19, 2016
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. Orringer would like to take this opportunity to help educate you about the potential breast cancer warning signs. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer for women in the United States, and early detection plays a significant role in the ability to achieve a full recovery.
Going for regular mammograms and self-breast examination is extremely important, particularly in high-risk individuals. Mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI examinations may pick up breast cancer at a much earlier stage than physical examination. In addition, because cancer occurs in many women without a family history, it is important for every woman to be aware of warning signs that may indicate the need for evaluation.
.Some of the more common possible signs of breast cancer include:
- A lump, hard knot, or thickening within the breast or axilla
- Change in breast size or shape that is different from usual monthly patterns
- Swelling, warmth, darkening or redness of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast
- Itchy, scaly sores or rashes in the nipple region
- Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast region
- Nipple discharge
- Pain in an area of the breast that does not subside over time
In many instances, these signs do not necessarily indicate the development of cancer. However, if you have experienced any of these, it is important to see your doctor for further evaluation.
For more than two decades, Dr. Orringer has made breast reconstruction a primary focus of his practice. For many women, breast reconstruction can play an important role in the healing process, potentially helping to restore a sense of wholeness after mastectomy. Dr. Orringer can discuss reconstruction options with you, and he will work in conjunction with your oncologist and breast oncologic surgeon as part of your team.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are weighing lumpectomy and radiation versus mastectomy and reconstruction, it is advisable to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of both with an experienced plastic surgeon. In addition, if you have a very strong family history, a deleterious BRCA gene, or other mutation that increases your risk of developing breast cancer and are considering undergoing prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction, please contact Dr. Jay Orringer at the Renaissance Medical Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Inc. using the form on this page or call 310-273-1663 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Hollywood, California, as well as nationally and internationally.
