This case involves a 56-year-old female patient with a family history of breast cancer. The patient was BRCA negative and underwent a biopsy and subsequent lumpectomy of a tumor. The pathology revealed ADH with no sign of malignancy. The general surgeon recommended that the patient undergo a double mastectomy and counseled her that she was high risk for breast cancer. The patient underwent the surgery and had a very difficult recovery. She had 4 failed breast reconstruction surgeries.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. How frequently do you treat patients like the one described in this case?
2. Generally, what qualifies a patient as a candidate for prophylactic mastectomy?
Expert Witness Response E-131421
I frequently encounter patients like the one described. I am 100% breast in my practice and I help manage our high-risk clinic. Typically patients are considered candidates for prophylactic mastectomy if they carry a genetic trait that significantly raises their risk of breast cancer. If they do not carry a genetic trait, then most experts feel that the risk of breast cancer development should be 30-35% or higher. However, there are individuals who do not meet these criteria that have significant family history and have a significant cancer phobia. These individuals must be educated to understand their risk of developing breast cancer and may still qualify if they understand and have undergone appropriate counseling (including psychological). I have lectured and published in the field of breast disease and cancer. I have also served as an expert witness in the past.
About the author
Victoria Negron
Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.
Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.
Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.
