Contralateral mastectomy in patients treated for unilateral breast cancer

Abstract

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy has become an increasingly common breast cancer therapy option as many women believe it reduces risk for future breast cancers. Many studies address this therapeutic mode, providing special attention to the following questions: Why do women choose contralateral prophylactic mastectomy? What are the actual benefits in risk reduction? What are the psychosocial and cosmetic outcomes of the procedure? This review discusses the most recent, significant literature that contributes to an understanding of true indications for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.