Rita Wilson Goes Through Double Mastectomy

Rita Wilson revealed recently to People that she has taken a leave from Broadway after she found out that she has breast cancer. The 58-year-old actress also said that she went through a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction after she received an invasive lobular carcinoma diagnosis.

The wife of Tom Hanks added that she is currently recovering from the procedure, and is set to make a full recovery. She followed the lead of Angelina Jolie, who went through a double mastectomy after she discovered that she has the breast cancer gene. While Wilson could have remained silent about her condition, she opted to publicize it to emphasize the importance of getting a second opinion.

Rita Wilson was observing an underlying condition of lobular carcinoma in situ wherein abnormal cells have the tendency to develop within the milk glands. This condition may increase the risk of cancer. She discovered something unusual after going through two biopsies. However, the pathology report later revealed the absence of cancer.

She got a second opinion after being advised by a friend. The actress said the diagnosis of an invasive lobular carcinoma was confirmed by a third doctor. In a statement, she indicated that she is sharing her condition to highlight the importance of a second opinion to the health of other people.

Rita Wilson was praised for her openness. Veteran publicist Howard Bragman said the actress became the poster child for second opinions and trusting one’s instinct when it comes to health.

Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks - image credit: people.com

Weill Cornell Medical College professor Mitchell Gaynor also said the candor of Wilson empowered patients as it reduces the fear, particularly when it comes to diseases such as cancer. Around 1.6 million women go through breast biopsies every year. The procedure removes tissues from suspicious tissues using a large needle. The tissue is examined by pathologists using a microscope. Most of these biopsies reveal benign tissues.

Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center oncology professor Claudine Isaacs said many women do not get a second opinion once they receive the good news. However, a second opinion is advisable when an uncommon condition, such as the pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ of Rita Wilson, is discovered.

Gaynor also said options may emerge when women get a second opinion. It is essential to make sure all possible options are communicated by the doctor due to the increasing number of treatments available these days. A Journal of the American Medical Association study revealed that pathologists typically have different opinions after examining tissue samples.

When doctors were asked to check some breast biopsy sets, 96 percent found the samples showing invasive cancer while 87 percent found the benign samples. Only 48 percent of the doctors found atypical samples.

Isaacs said patients are advised to get a third opinion when the first two doctors do not agree with each other. This was what Rita Wilson did to deal with her condition.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude by your prayers and good wishes and the kindness you're sending. Thank you. Thank you.

— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) April 15, 2015

Posted by Kade Quinn on Thursday April 16 2015, 10:26 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0