What are prostheses and what should I know about them?
ACS Answer
Prostheses are manmade substitutes for body parts that have been removed. Prostheses help a person appear as if the body part has never been removed. Some, such as artificial legs, help the person with cancer function as independently as possible.
While there are different types of prostheses, those most commonly needed by people with cancer are replacements for the breast, leg, or testicles. Penile implants and wigs used by people who experience temporary hair loss due to chemotherapy are also considered prostheses.
What to do (general)
- Talk with the doctor about prosthetic options before you have surgery
- Find out whether you can have the prosthesis applied or implanted during surgery
- Ask for a prescription for the prosthesis; the cost may be covered by your health insurance
What to do (for breast prosthesis)
- Contact a local chapter of Reach to Recovery, a support group for women with breast cancer.
- Wear a prosthesis while waiting for reconstructive surgery.
- Consider small prosthetic "equalizers" that are available for women who have had a lumpectomy or a segmental mastectomy.
- Keep in mind that nipple prostheses are available for breast reconstruction when the nipple could not be saved.
- Make an appointment to go shopping for a prosthesis in a surgical supply store, lingerie and corset shop, or lingerie department of a department store. Call before you go to make sure a professional fitter will be there.
- Wear a form-fitting top when shopping for a prosthesis.
- Have your partner or a good friend go shopping with you.
- Select a prosthesis that feels comfortable (despite its weight), shows natural contour and consistency, and remains in place when you move. Ask if the prosthesis absorbs perspiration and how to care for it.
- Try many different types. Prostheses vary in shape, weight, and consistency. Custom-made forms are also available.
- Shop around; find the best-fitting prosthesis at the right price.
What to do (for a leg or limb prosthesis)
- Try being fitted with a temporary leg prosthesis during initial surgery; a permanent prosthesis can be fitted when you are stronger
- Remember that cosmetic, nonfunctional limbs are available for people who are not candidates for permanent prostheses
What to do (for a testicular prosthesis)
- Consider that a gel-filled plastic sac can be placed during surgery or at a later date
- Keep in mind that not all men want or feel that they need a testicular prosthesis
- Discuss the possibility of a prosthesis with your partner
What to do (for penile implants)
- Consider that penile implants or prostheses are placed 6-12 months after initial surgery
- Talk with the doctor and partner about which of the 2 different types of implants are best for you, inflatable or semi-rigid.
Do not
- Avoid talking about your prosthesis with the doctor, nurse, or cancer care team
- Avoid talking with your partner about his or her feelings about prostheses or implants
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- Redness or swelling at the prosthesis site
- Pain at the prosthesis site
- Drainage at the prosthesis site
Related Resources
Get more information about prostheses.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore..
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this question with your doctor or health care team.
