Who is a candidate for nipple sparing mastectomy?

Traditionally, it has been considered that there may be residual breast tissue or ducts within the nipple that could theoretically contain breast cells which may be pertinent when treating cancer.  Nonetheless, nipple sparing mastectomy has increased in numbers performed worldwide and the thought process may be shifting.  There are considerations when performing breast reconstruction following nipple sparing mastectomy as well to discuss with your plastic surgeon.