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POSSIBLE LONG TERM PROBLEMS OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
After a breast cancer reconstruction, most patients are happy to once again have both breasts. However, after breast removal and reconstruction, there are some long-term concerns regarding possible complications.
Some of the possible long-term complications are:
Capsular contracture:
A fibrous capsule may form around the foreign implanted tissue. Over a few months this fibrous tissue should contract as part of the natural healing process. If this contraction is severe, it may lead to tightening and hardening of the reconstructed breast which is very painful. Most capsular contractions form in the first year, but some may take up to three years. In a few cases the implant and capsule may have to be surgically removed.
Leakage of the implant:
Some major injury or blow to the reconstructed breast might cause this to happen. In case of a leak, it will make the lymph glands under the arms swell up. To take care of this problem, breast implants nowadays are filled with a safe saline solution, so that if the implant does leak or rupture after the procedure, the solution will be absorbed by the patient’s body.
Mismatch between the two breast sizes:
If you gain or lose lot of weight, your reconstructed breast will be of a different size in comparison to the other one. This could require further surgery to replace the original reconstructed breast.
Abdominal hernia:
This is a rare complication following a TRAM flap because of the removal of abdominal muscles and subsequent weakening of the abdominal wall. Use your hand to give support while bending forward.
Reduced mobility:
Using a flap from the back (latissimus dorsi) may reduce shoulder movement, because of the loss of muscle. This can sometimes make it difficult to do everyday activities. Do exercises to help maintain the movement in the shoulder.
Fibromyalgia:
A study conducted by FDA scientists found a significant link between silicone gel implants and fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes pain and fatigue in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Risk of developing cancer elsewhere:
Studies have shown that women with implants had a higher probability of increase in cancers of the brain, respiratory tract, cervix and vulva.
Implants may cause other health problems:
Women with silicone breast implants have reported a variety of autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis. Researches have shown that if a woman is already likely to develop an autoimmune disease for other reasons, exposure to toxins in silicone gel may be the trigger that results in the development of that disease.
Emotional problems:
Most women have troubles adjusting to the stresses and physical pains of breast cancer and its treatment. They have psycho-social and emotional.problems. There may also be sexual difficulties. Feelings may range from anger, frustration, confusion to at times suicidal also.
The bottom line is that learn about the possible long term complications of surgery and prepare yourself physically as well as mentally before you go in for it. Make sure your family and well wishers are by your side to share the trauma.