Stem cells used to rebuild breasts
Reported
November 16, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- For the first time, doctors have used stem cells from
liposuctioned fat to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous lumps
removed.
The approach is experimental but holds promise for millions left with cratered
areas and breasts that look very different from each other after cancer surgery.
It also might be a way to augment healthy breasts without artificial implants.
It has only been tested on about two dozen women in a study in Japan, and
results were reported Saturday. Doctors in the United States say it has great
potential.
''This is a pretty exciting topic right now in plastic surgery,'' said Dr. Karol
Gutowski of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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