Mastectomy

A Mastectomy is a surgical procedure for breast cancer treatment that involves removing all or part of the breast. The extent and type of mastectomy performed depends on the stage of the cancer, size of the tumor, and other individual health factors.

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Types

• There are several types of mastectomy, including:
• Simple or Total Mastectomy: The entire breast, including the nipple, is removed, but lymph nodes and muscle tissues are left intact.
• Modified Radical Mastectomy: The entire breast along with some axillary (underarm) lymph nodes are removed.
• Radical Mastectomy: This is the most extensive type, where the entire breast, axillary lymph nodes, and chest wall muscles are removed. It's rarely performed today except in cases of inflammatory breast cancer.
• Double Mastectomy: Both breasts are removed, usually as a preventative measure for high-risk patients.

Procedure

A mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision on the breast and removes breast tissue, and possibly lymph nodes and muscles, depending on the type of mastectomy. The procedure usually takes one to three hours.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for one to three days. It might take several weeks to fully recover at home. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore arm movement and strength.

Breast Reconstruction

Many women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy to restore the breast's appearance. This can often be performed immediately after the mastectomy, or it can be delayed until a later date.

See Also

• Breast cancer
• Breast reconstruction
• Lumpectomy

References

• "Mastectomy: What to expect". Mayo Clinic.
• "Breast Cancer Surgery". American Cancer Society.
• "What is mastectomy?". National Breast Cancer Foundation.

External Links

Mastectomy - MedlinePlus Mastectomy - American Cancer Society Types of Mastectomy - Breastcancer.org

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