Revised 20/08/2003
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The information contained in this column is intended for general guide and information only. It is not meant to replace professional consultancy and advice from your doctor(s). Radiology Malaysia regrets that we are not able to enter into personal correspondence concerning your specific medical problem or condition.
| | Talkback Q & A: Where to get external silicon breast prostheses – colour, size? | | Q I would like to know where I could purchase an external silicon breast prosthesis. Must I provide information about the size and skin colour for the silicon. I would also like to know whether it is sold in pharmacies. What is the price range? Bee, 4 September 2003 A There are several outlets which sell silicon breast prostheses. In addition Wacoal also has the Remama prostheses which currently can be checked out at their main office in Petaling Jaya. Medisia in Wisma Siah, Jalan Pahang is another distributor of silicone breast prostheses to be worn within the bra in a specially sewn pocket. The Breast Cancer Welfare Association also teaches how one can sew your own prostheses from fibre. The breast surgeon or plastic surgeons normally can refer you to the necessary personnel if you are interested in purchasing an external breast prostheses. With regards colour, shape and size, it is best that you actually check out the product and have a fitting session. The price can range from very cheap for the “home sewn product” to about RM400-500 for the silicon prostheses. Editor
| | Talkback Q&A - Is it harmful to have internal silicone implants in breast reconstruction? | | Q I had my breast removed due to cancer in 1989 and since then I have had to use external silicon to replace it. I would like to know more about breast reconstruction and is it harmful or will the internal silicon burst as years go by? Bee, 28 August 2003 A The Consensus Declaration of the European Committee on Quality Assurance and Medical Devices (EQUAM) in Plastic Surgery, written on July 4th 1998, in Regensburg after EQUAM’s Third Consensus Conference concludes that silicone implants are safe. The Federal Drug Authority in United States has lifted its moratorium on the use of silicone implants for augmentation since the results of studies showing that there is conclusive scientific- clinical, immunologic, epidemiologic- data that silicone gel-filled breast implants do not cause any autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. Updated studies continue to show that silicone gel-filled implants do not cause cancer or other malignancies. Silicone is a widely used and essential material in everyday life, at present. We have no better alternative material available as yet. In all fields of medicine and surgery, implants and medical devices made of silicone are essential, not only for well-being but often for survival. Dr Eileen Fong,
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Editor’s note: More information on breast reconstruction can be found at: http://www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth/Treatment/index.htm
| | Talkback Q&A - Apakah yang saya harus katakan kepada doktor nanti…. | Q Saya merupakan pelajar yang menjalankan kajian tentang barah payudara. Persoalan saya - iika seseorang yang agak kurus telah menghidapi barah payudara, dan menjalankan pembedahan mastektomi rekunstruktif tetapi menampal payudara baru dengan menggunakan lemak dan kulit perut orang lain, adakah ianya boleh dari segi Agama Islam?
Rani, 12 Jan 2003
A Persoalan pembedahan rekonstruktif payudara selepas masktektomi dengan menggunakan lemak dan kulit perut orang lain pada masa ini tidak dipraktis pada umumnya. Ini adalah kerana isu “rejection” dan perlunya penggunaan ubat “immunosuppressant” untuk mengelakkan reaksi badan kepada tisu orang lain. (Seperti pemindahan buah ginjal dan hepar). Oleh itu, isu agama tidak timbul untuk situasi ini dimana tisu orang lain digunakan. Panel Pakar Pembedah Plastik dan Rekonstruktif – Dr Eileen Fong, Dr GP Tan
Panel Pakar Pembedah Payudara – Dr Aishah, Dr Aina Emran
Jan 2003
| | Talkback Q&A - Cost of Breast Reconstruction | Q What is the cost of breast reconstruction?
SP 30 April 2003 A For Plastic Reconstruction surgery, the costs varies. It's regularly done in University Malaya Medical Centre and it can cost in private from RM18,000-RM25,000, depending on the situation. It is best to discuss this option at the stage before surgery is done for the breast cancer so that all options and consideration is taken for the operation needed for reconstruction of the breasts with both breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.
Editor | | | Please click here for Topic Index |
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| | | Website Links | “CancerStory.com is a self-funded, non-profit site set up in memory of its founder's beloved mother who was taken away from the joys of life by cancer. She battled with colon cancer for three years and eight months. Through this web site, the founder hopes to share her late mother's cancer experience and help cancer patients and their families face the overwhelming tasks of seeking the best treatment, gathering information and preparing for the battle against cancer.” Click Here to visit Many thanks Kamal for submitting this link - Editor “The National Cancer Centre Singapore – Inspired by Hope, Committed to Care: This website seeks to answer some of the common questions which you may have when you or your relative has been diagnosed to have cancer. It hopes to explain, in simple terms, what cancer is, what treatment is available for cancer, what are the causes of cancer, and information on the more common types of cancer, i.e. lung, colorectal and breast cancer.“ Click Here to visit Thanks Margaret Ho for submitting this link - Editor
| Perak Palliative Care Society | Our reader CYC of the PPCS, wrote about how Radiology Malaysia, in particular the Breast Health Info Centre might aid in the noble deed of caring for the terminally ill. In return, we asked for more information on the PPCS and this is what CYC shared with us. Thanks CYC for your contribution! Click Here for more information.
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