Large Breast Reduction with Incidental Finding- Small Breast Cancer in Raleigh

This 46-year-old woman had very large breasts that were causing her problems. She could not get coverage from insurance as it required significant weight loss which she was unable to accomplish. She saw Dr. Lyle who felt she was a reasonable candidate for breast reduction and although weight loss was recommended it would unlikely change the size of her breasts. Dr Lyle does not accept insurance. The patient underwent a very large breast reduction with removal of just over 5 pounds of breast tissue per side. She had this done at Rex Hospital as her BMI was higher. She has significant immediate improvement. In nearly all breast reductions, the breast tissue is submitted for routine pathology. This patient had a prior normal mammogram however she was found to have a very small breast cancer in this enormous breast specimen. Treatment options included completion mastectomy or radiation treatment as the tumor was very small. She chose radiation and successfully completed a course and will now be taking anti-hormonal drugs. Despite this unsuspected finding, the patient is very happy with her much smaller, better shaped breasts. All patients who are 40 years and older and those with family history of breast cancer are required to get a screening mammogram prior to breast reduction, however despite a normal mammogram this patient still was found to have cancer in the breast specimen. Fortunately her result was preserved and she is considered cured from her cancer.