October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many individuals are unaware of the impact tissue donation can have on patients who are fighting this disease. American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) has a plethora of resources when it comes to the applications of life enhancing and healing gifts of tissue.
First, there is nerve tissue that can be donated to help someone fighting breast cancer. What is nerve tissue? Nerve tissue is responsible for coordinating and controlling many of the body’s activities. This type of tissue can be found in the brain, nerves and spinal cord which come together to form the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Nerve tissue that is donated can be used to treat patients suffering from a peripheral nerve injury that can cause loss of motor function, loss of sensation and pain. In breast cancer patients, this is likely a result of disease, surgery and/or trauma. When someone receives this gift, it likely includes restoration of sensation after procedures like breast reconstruction and/or mastectomy. Another big part of this is restoration is better movement which enables them to return to activities that were once impaired.
Second, there is skin that can be donated to help breast cancer patients as well. Our skin covers the entire body and acts as a protective shield against heat, infection, injury and light. It is made up of three layers:
- Epidermis- The outermost layer.
- Dermis- The middle layer, which contains blood vessels and collagen.
- Hypodermis- The deepest layer that connects skin to underlying bones and muscles.
All three layers work together to protect your body’s bones, internal organs, ligaments and muscles.
The gift of skin donation is used to create skin grafts. These lifesaving tissue transplants can help treat those who need breast reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. These grafts prevent fluid loss and infection. They also help promote healing by acting as wound coverings. Early application of skin grafts promotes faster recovery and reduces the risks of complications. Donated skin aids recovery and offers critical protection which improves many patients’ surgical outcomes.
Would you like to learn more about the many ways tissue donation can impact someone else’s life? Visit their website here!