Nipple Banking an Option for Mastectomy Patients

A new study suggests that women with breast cancer scheduled to undergo mastectomy may be open to nipple banking in order to preserve something of their own breasts.

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute at Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL; Amsterdam, The Netherlands) conducted a survey among 479 women who were treated at their center between December 2004 and June 2008 to assess the sexual and psychological toll of nipple banking. A total of 318 women (66%) responded to the survey, of whom 18% had nipple banking, 53% chose a reconstructive tattoo, and 29% declined reconstruction. The researchers found no significant differences in psychological outcomes between groups, including anxiety, social support, cancer worry, social functioning, body image, and satisfaction with the cosmetic result.

The women who opted for nipple banking--which involves removing the original nipple and temporarily transplanting it into the patient's groin area for safekeeping until breast reconstruction is complete--did however experience more medical complications (40%) than those in the reconstructive tattoo group (17%). About two-thirds of nipple bankers overall reported being sexually inactive (23%) or less sexually active (43%) because of embarrassment or discomfort while their nipples were being preserved in their groin. The study was presented as a poster session at the World Meeting on Sexual Medicine, held during August 2012 in Chicago (IL, USA).

“If women want to keep something of their own breast, advise nipple banking,” said lead author, Daniela Hahn, MD. “If they just want their breasts to look nice after reconstruction, advise a tattoo.”

A unilateral nipple areola tattoo is matched to the existing breast using a mix various colors and shades to get the correct pigment. In cases of bilateral reconstructions, preoperative photos can be to recreate the nipple color, or the patient can pick a new color that matches skin tones. If the procedure involves nipple tattooing alone, with no nipple reconstruction, the tattoo can be designed to have a three dimensional (3D) appearance.

Related Links:
Netherlands Cancer Institute at Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital