Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) is a surgical advancement for women undergoing removal of the breast due to breast cancer. Nipple-sparing mastectomy keeps the nipple and areola intact along with the breast skin. The primary reason to do nipple-sparing mastectomy is to maintain the aesthetics; however, there will be no feeling left in the nipple.

Maintaining aesthetic appearances

• Through a small incision, all of the breast’s glandular tissue is removed from beneath the overlying skin and nipple. In the past this was called a subcutaneous mastectomy.
• All tissue beneath the nipple and areola are checked for cancer. If cancer is detected, the nipple is removed, converting the procedure to a skin-sparing mastectomy.
• Breasts are then reconstructed with an implant or tissue taken from another area of the body.

Research shows that sparing the nipple does not increase the risk of cancer coming back. The risk is the same as having a mastectomy.  

Who is a candidate for Nipple Sparing Mastectomy ?

• Women whose tumor does not involve the nipple or tissue under the areola
• Women whose tumors are surrounded by a clear margin of cancer-free tissue
• Women who have not been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer or advanced breast cancer with skin involvement