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How To Take Care Of Your Breast Prostheses

Linsey Gold • Nov 18, 2022

It's important to take proper care of your breast prosthesis to extend its lifespan and keep it looking and feeling its best. With a little TLC, your prosthesis can provide you with many years of comfort and satisfaction!


Here are some simple tips for keeping your breast prosthesis in good shape.




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How to Care For Breast Prosthesis: 8 Tips


About Breast Prosthesis


According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States. While there are many treatment options available, breast cancer surgery is often the recommended course of action, which includes having a mastectomy or having your breast removed.


The good news is that, thanks to advances in medical technology, women who have had a mastectomy can choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. This type of surgery rebuilds the breasts using either implants or flap surgery, which uses tissue from another part of the body. The type of reconstructive surgery will depend on several factors, including the breast shape and size, the patient's body tape, and their personal preferences.

However, in some cases wherein breast reconstruction surgery is not an option, there are a number of breast reconstruction alternatives available. In these instances, a breast prosthesis, or artificial breast, can be used.


Prostheses are breast forms that are used to replace natural breast tissue that's been removed due to a mastectomy. They're worn to restore the natural shape and appearance of the breast.


In recent years, more and more companies have begun to offer custom-made prostheses for a more natural look and feel. They can be worn with or without mastectomy bras, and some types even attach directly to the chest wall.


Most insurance companies or insurance plans can cover the cost of a post-mastectomy prosthesis. And while it's not required that you have a breast form, most women find it helpful in terms of both their physical appearance and emotional well-being.


Types of Breast Prosthesis


Breast prostheses come in different sizes, shapes, and skin tones. They're made from a variety of materials as well, including silicone, fabric, foam, latex, and fiberglass, and some even come with bathing suit tops.


Additionally, prostheses can be attached to the body in a variety of ways, including with straps or adhesives.



According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are the different types of breast prosthesis:




  • External Silicone Breast Form


This is a type of breast form that's made from silicone gel and fits over the chest muscles. It creates a more natural look and feel than other types of prostheses.


This type of breast form is weighted, which can help you achieve correct posture. In addition, a permanent silicone prosthesis is less likely to shift or move around like temporary prosthetics can.


  • Non-silicone Breast Prosthesis


Non-silicone breast prostheses are made from different materials, such as foam or fiberfill. They're typically lighter than silicone prosthetics and can be a good option for other women who have allergies to silicone. Additionally, these breast forms are often less expensive than their silicone counterparts.


  • Attachable Breast Form


Attachable breast prostheses are forms that can be attached to the body with adhesives.


  • Soft Form Breast Prosthesis


A soft form or temporary breast prosthesis is typically made from lighter materials. It's meant to be worn immediately after surgery and can be used until the incisions have healed and the swelling has gone down. Once the healing process is complete, women can then move on to a more permanent solution.


  • Partial Breast Prosthesis


A partial breast prosthesis, also known as "shell" or "shaper," fills in the area where breast tissue has been removed and gives the illusion of a fuller breast. It can be worn with either a mastectomy bra or a regular bra.


  • Prosthetic Nipple


Prosthetic nipples are made from soft silicone and can be attached to a reconstructed breast or prosthesis. They can be worn with or without a bra. Furthermore, they're available in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.




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Breast Form Care Instructions


Your breast prosthesis is an important part of your daily life, and it deserves to be treated with care. Here are some tips on how to take care of your prosthesis:



  • Handle Your Prosthesis Gently


When putting on or taking off your prosthesis, handle it gently. Avoid squeezing, dropping, bending or pinching the breast form, as this can damage the internal structure.


  • Lightly Dust Your Prosthesis


When you're ready to put on your breast prosthesis, lightly dust it with a soft cloth or brush to remove any build-up of sweat or oils. Alternatively, you may use a gentle, unscented powder to keep your prosthesis clean and dry. Avoid using scented powders or deodorants as they can cause irritation.


  • Attach the Straps Accordingly


If your prosthesis has a strap, make sure that it's adjusted correctly so that it's comfortable and secure. Attach the straps according to the manufacturer’s instructions.


  • Clean Your Prosthesis Regularly


It's important to keep your prosthesis clean to prevent skin irritation or infection. Gently hand wash your breast prosthesis with mild soap and cool water after each wearing.


Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the prosthesis. You can also use a gentle cleansing lotion designed specifically for breast prostheses.


Never twist or wring out your prosthesis; simply blot it dry with a soft towel.


  • Avoid Sharp Objects


Any contact with a sharp object, such as knives, scissors, and needles, can damage the silicone surface of your prosthesis. Be especially careful when wearing underwire bras or during activities like gardening or sports where sharp objects may be present.


If you do come into contact with a sharp object, inspect your prosthesis for any punctures or cracks.


  • Store Your Prosthesis Properly


When you're not wearing your prosthesis, it's important to store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in an area where it might be exposed to high temperatures, as it can damage the silicone surface. You should also avoid squishing or rolling your prosthesis when you store it, as this can damage the shape.


The best way to store your prosthesis is in a specially designed storage bag that'll help protect it from dust and other potential damage.


  • Be Careful with Chemicals


Chemicals such as bleach and detergents can damage your breast prosthesis, so it's important to avoid using them directly on your prosthesis. If you need to use these chemicals, be sure to dilute them first and always rinse off your prosthesis afterwards.


  • Replace Your Prosthesis if Necessary


If your breast prosthesis starts to yellow, becomes cracked, or just doesn’t look and feel as nice as it used to, it's probably time for a new one. Most breast prostheses last for about 5 years, but this can vary depending on how well you take care of it and how often you wear it.


Conclusion


With proper care, your breast prosthesis can last for many years! By following these simple tips, you can keep yours in good condition and looking its best.


If you have any questions about how to take care of your prosthesis or experience any problems, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified mastectomy fitter. They can help you ensure that you're taking the best possible care of your breast prosthesis.


If you're ready to start shopping for a breast prosthesis, we've got a great selection available here! Browse our collection of breast forms and find the perfect one for you!




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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it can occur in any part of the breast. There are many different breast cancer types, but all of them start with abnormal cells that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby breast tissue, including the lymph nodes under your arm, which is why it’s important to get regular mammograms and checkups. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the eight different breast cancer types. We hope this information will help you become more aware of the various types of breast cancer and their potential risks. RELATED: Breast Cancer And Exercise: The Role Of Physical Activity In Women With Breast Cancer 8 Breast Cancer Types Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma The most common type of breast cancer, ductal or lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast ducts or the lobules. This type of cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, and it's usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma or Stage 0 Breast Cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ is a pre-invasive or non-invasive breast cancer. This means that there are abnormal cells in the lining of the milk duct, and they haven't spread outside of the duct. In most cases, DCIS is found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it's still considered cancer and should be treated as such. Left untreated, DCIS may develop into an invasive breast cancer, which can be much more serious. This is why many doctors recommend treatment for DCIS even though it's a noninvasive cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for DCIS. The type of surgery depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread within the ducts. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining breast cancer cells. Invasive Breast Cancer or Infiltrating Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a more serious type because it has spread outside the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Once the invasive breast tumors spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs, they become metastatic breast cancer. While early-stage invasive breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, advanced stages of the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a lump or thickening in the breast bloody discharge from the nipple changes in the size or shape of the breast skin dimpling pain Treatment options for invasive breast cancer typically involve surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue, as well as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. With early detection and proper treatment, most women with invasive breast cancer can go on to lead long, healthy lives. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are: a. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Invasive ductal carcinomas are the most common breast cancer type, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. It begins in the milk ducts, but quickly spreads beyond ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue. Although ductal carcinoma can occur in any part of the breast, it most commonly affects the upper outer quadrant. It can occur in any age group, but is more often diagnosed in post-menopausal women. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer. b. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) ILC is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancer types, which typically first form in the milk ducts, lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) Invasive lobular breast cancer is often harder to detect on mammograms than other breast cancer types, so it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While it can occur in women of any age, ILC is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Apart from these two most common types, there are other rare breast cancers that are sub-types of invasive breast cancer. These breast cancers have cells with unique characteristics: Medullary carcinoma: This type is characterized by the presence of large cancer cells and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of breast cancer. Tubular carcinoma: Under a microscope, breast cancer cells from a tubular carcinoma look like tubes. This type makes up about 2% of all breast cancers. Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma: This cancer looks very different from other types of breast cancer because it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a jelly-like substance that's normally found in small amounts in mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Papillary carcinoma: This is characterized by long and thin tumors, similar in appearance to finger-like growths. It's usually found in older women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. However, it can also occur in other tissues, such as the breast. It's characterized by the presence of two different types of cells--luminal and basaloid. Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare variant of metaplastic breast cancer that's characterized by both glandular and squamous differentiation. Some subtypes of breast cancer have the same or even worse prognoses than invasive carcinoma, including: Mixed carcinoma: The prognosis of mixed carcinoma of the breast is quite good, with an average of eight-year disease-free survival. Metaplastic breast cancer: The five-year survival rate for this type is around 63%. Micropapillary carcinoma: This type is usually associated with a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, but can be successfully treated in some cases. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer This is a type of breast cancer that's characterized by an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. This protein is found on the surface of healthy cells, and it helps to regulate cell growth. However, in HER2-positive breast cancer, the protein is produced in excess, causing the cells to grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) TNBC is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that's named "triple negative" because it's characterized by the lack of receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptor progesterone receptor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) This means that the tumor cells aren't sensitive to hormone therapy, making it difficult to treat. They also tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple negative breast cancers are typically diagnosed at a younger age and have a higher risk of recurrence . RELATED: How To Improve Breast Health Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of locally advanced breast cancer, meaning that it has already progressed locally but has not yet spread through the lymph nodes or outside the breast. IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases and typically occurs in younger women and in African American women. Symptoms can include: redness swelling warmth in the affected breast inverted nipple discharge from the nipple IBC is often mistaken for a breast infection, which can delay treatment and result in the cancer spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Less Common Types of Breast Cancers Some types of breast cancer are less common than others. This doesn't mean they're any less serious, but it does mean that they may not be as well-known. Here are three less common types of breast cancer: Paget's Disease of the Breast Paget disease is a rare form of cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). The disease gets its name from Sir James Paget, the doctor who first described it in 1874. Common symptoms include:  a rash or crusting around the nipple itching burning pain Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the skin, breast, or liver. Angiosarcoma is rare, and it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognosis for angiosarcoma is generally poor, but it varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and treatment, some patients are able to achieve long-term remission. Phyllodes Tumor A phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that arises from the breast's connective tissue, specifically the stroma. Its name comes from the Greek word "phyllodes," meaning "leaf-like." Phyllodes tumors tend to be large and bulky, and they can grow quickly. They're usually benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Final Thoughts Breast cancer comes in many different forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or race. 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