Exciting research emerging from M.D. Anderson in December’s issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows a significantly lower incidence of lymphedema of the arms after mastectomy with breast reconstruction rather than mastectomy alone. Lymphedema is a horribly debilitating process of swelling of the arms that develops in 8 to 30 percent of all breast cancer survivors. The swelling is not only debilitating and degrading to quality of live, but it can also be life threatening and develop into rare sarcoma (cancer) called Stewart Treves Syndrome. Surgeries to relieve the lymphedema including breaking up of scars, implantation or lymph nodes, and diversion of the lymph system into the venous system have had limited success. The news of preventing the process before the lymphedema begins is yet another positive benefit to breast reconstruction. ---Dr. Jason Mussman is Alpena Regional Medical Center’s plastic surgeon and the premiere plastic and reconstructive surgeon of Northern Michigan. Dr. Mussman performs all cutting edge breast reconstruction surgeries and will be happy to design a reconstruction to suit your body, health, and preference.