title: Reconstruction for breast  cancer in a nutshell.
abstract: Breast cancer is a disease many will experience. Depending on the size of the cancer, the size of the host breast, and whether it is multi-focal, a mastectomy may be recommended as part of the treatment. If this is the case, an immediate breast reconstruction may be offered. This article will describe the three main types of breast reconstruction and discuss pertinent issues regarding this, including complications, surgery to the other (contraleteral) breast and potential psychological implications of this surgery.
authors.affiliation: Breast Care Unit, Imperial College Healthcare Trust, London.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Harmer
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D008408:Mastectomy