Mastectomy

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

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.

Mastectomie 02

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

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

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD