Dear Dr. Winder:
Q. About a month ago during a routine mammogram, a lump was discovered in my left breast. I then had a biopsy performed, the result confirmed malignancy. It has been recommended that I have a mastectomy performed, which is very scary. What options do I have for reconstruction, if I decide to do so?

A. If your doctors are reasonably sure that the proposed surgery will eliminate the cancer, then you are a good candidate for reconstruction.

Reconstruction can be done at the same time as mastectomy; for the patient who doesn't want to wake up "without a breast", this would be your best option. If, however, you want to focus on just the breast removal and wait until later, that, too, is a valid option.

Breast mounds can be reconstructed in many ways:

1. Implant reconstruction . . . depending upon your anatomy, either an implant can be inserted at the time of mastectomy, or a tissue expander at the same time with implant insertion at a later date. In most cases, the stretching of the remaining skin accomplished with a tissue expander will result in a better aesthetic result later.

2. "Flap" reconstruction . . . your own tissue can be transferred to the chest to recreate a new breast mound for patients who do not like the idea of a breast implant.

Regardless of the surgical technique used, rest assured that you have viable options to you. Good luck to you!

Read more about the breast reconstruction procedure.

Read about the proper selection of breast implants.