John A. P. Rimmer M.D. is a general surgeon whose practice focuses on comprehensive, compassionate care and treatment of diseases of the breast including mammograms, abnormal breast exams, ultrasounds, mastectomy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and more. Read on to learn more about breast cancer and mastectomy surgery.

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of the breasts, completely or partially. There are 5 different variations of mastectomy including simple or total mastectomy, radical mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, subcutaneous (retaining the nipple) and partial mastectomy. A lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy), which just removes the tumor from the breast, may possibly be another option however deciding between a lumpectomy and mastectomy can be difficult. Both procedures are effective however a lumpectomy isn't always an option and many prefer to undergo a mastectomy (relieving doubts of a recurrence) including those who don't yet have breast cancer but are at a high risk of developing the disease.

Risk Reducing Mastectomy

Preventive (prophylactic) involves removing both of the breasts to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future and is reserved for women with an extremely high risk of breast cancer due to a strong family history of the disease or the presence of genetic mutations that can increase the risk of breast cancer. When if comes to having a mastectomy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, you'll want to work with a general surgeon who specializes in the procedure and that would be Dr. Rimmer.

Meet with Dr, Rimmer to Discuss Your Options

Before the mastectomy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Dr Rimmer will meet with you and an anesthesiologist to review your medical history, go over the operation and establish a plan for anesthesia. Dr. Rimmer will also answer all your questions to make sure you thoroughly understand the treatment course of action, including the reasons for, as well as the risks of the surgery in question. Another factor to discuss is whether you're considering breast reconstruction; most patients have the reconstruction done right after the mastectomy while they are still anesthetized.

Some of the latest, innovative mastectomy techniques include the ability to preserve breast tissue allowing for a more natural breast appearance after the mastectomy is performed. Breast reconstruction can involve a combination of implants and tissue reconstruction, using breast expanders and more.

If you're researching information about having a mastectomy in Palm Beach Gardens Florida contact Dr. Rimmer for a personal consultation; he'll be your caring advocate, and will empower you through a union of freedom of choice and education.