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Skin Sparing Mastectomy

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Last Modified: February 27, 2005

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
What is your opinion of skin sparing mastectomy? Is there any sensation left?

Don LaRossa, MD, Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, responds:

Skin sparing mastectomy is excellent for many patients who are suitable candidates. Your surgeon can review the options with you to determine whether you would be a suitable candidate. It would not spare the nipple and areola and hence, sensation would be lost. Indeed, the mastectomy itself usually results in significant alterations in sensation.