Temporary banking of the nipple-areola complex in breast reconstruction following mastectomy for gigantomastia

Abstract

Introduction: Gigantomastia is a breast disorder characterized by exaggerated rapid growth of the breasts, generally bilaterally. In some severe cases, mastectomy is required to ensure safe delivery or control disease progression or recurrence. Subsequently, most patients want to undergo breast reconstruction, including the nipple-areola complex (NAC).

Presentation of case: Here, we report our experience with temporary banking of the NAC in a patient who underwent mastectomy for severe Gigantomastia. Each NAC was temporarily transplanted into the axilla as banking tissue for NAC reconstruction at a later date. Although the color of the NAC was slightly lighter after reconstruction, it mainly kept its original color and texture in addition to medical tattooing technique. At present, there has been no recurrence and the patient is fully satisfied with her appearance.

Discussion: In this case, mastectomy was recommended because of an unbearable breast size that disturb a safety delivery, as well as respiratory and cardiac complications and skin ulcer control. Because the disease is not pathologically malignant, temporary preservation of NAC allows it to be safely used again for later nipple reconstruction.

Conclusion: Temporary banking of the nipple-areola complex in breast reconstruction following breast resection including NAC, would be one of good surgical options for benign breast tumors like gigantomastia.

Keywords: Breast reconstruction; Gigantomastia; Mastectomy; Medical tattooing; Nipple-areola complex.