Saline or Silicone: Cancer Survivors Voice Preference

Saline or Silicone: Cancer Survivors Voice Preference

By Susan Brady

For many breast cancer survivors who have undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is a viable option; one that has been shown to have ongoing benefits to women in the areas of self-esteem, body image and general well-being. And while there are numerous types of reconstructive surgery that can be done either at the time of the mastectomy or at some point after the surgery, there are also several choices of implants.

Primary among the choices are saline implants, silicone implants, or the use of the patient’s existing tissue—usually abdominal fat—with or without the addition of an implant. While the method of reconstruction will vary depending upon the amount of tissue removed and the size of the patient’s breasts, a recent study done at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City has found that women appear to be slightly more satisfied with one type of implant over the other.

The survey conducted polled 472 patients, of which 176 had received silicone implants and 306 had received saline implants. Women who opted for silicone implants reported significantly higher post-reconstruction breast satisfaction scores, according to Colleen M. McCarthy, M.D. and her colleagues. The survey questionnaire addressed breast shape, feel to the touch, appearance, feelings of "normalcy," and integration into self.

Respondents who chose silicone implants were slightly older (mean age 53.7), with 66% opting for immediate reconstruction after mastectomy, and 53% having bilateral reconstruction. Women with saline implants had a mean age of 51.3, with more than 74% choosing immediate reconstruction, and less than 40% having bilateral reconstruction.

Both silicone gel and saline implants are FDA approved—with experts favoring silicone for "a softer, more natural-feeling breast with less visible and/or palpable wrinkling," according to the research group.

source : healthnews.com