Breast: Existing or Potential Regenerative Medicine Strategies

One aspect of regenerative medicine strategies of the breast involves treatment of breast cancer patients. Treatment of breast cancer depends on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has [Page 146]spread. Breast cancer treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor itself along with all or part of the surrounding normal breast tissue. After the operation, the breast is usually treated with radiation, which can alter the architecture of the breast. Methods of reconstruction include breast prosthetics or autologous tissue flaps. The reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy or on a delayed basis.

Subpectoral tissue expanders prepare the breast for implantation with saline or silicone. Reconstruction with implants is common, as the recovery is rapid and there is no donor ...