Mastectomy refers to the surgical removal of a breast. Woman undergo mastectomy generally to treat breast cancer.

About 15-20 years ago, mastectomy meant removal of the entire breast, no matter in what stage of breast cancer you were. Detecting cancer in initial stages had no benefit. However, things have changed largely since then. Mastectomy is not extensive, disfiguring or scarring procedure anymore and you can get breast reconstruction at the same time.

It is now possible to remove different amounts of breast tissue and other tissues depending on size and type of tumor and the stage of cancer. Accordingly, there are various types of mastectomy procedures.

• Simple or total mastectomy: removes the entire breast, leaving lymph nodes and surrounding muscle intact.
• Radical mastectomy: removes the breast, lymph nodes, and muscles under the breast. Modified radical mastectomy does not remove the breast muscles.
• Subcutaneous mastectomy: removes the tumor and breast tissue, leaving the nipple and the overlying skin intact.
• Lumpectomy: removes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.

To undergo mastectomy, the surgeon will give you general anesthesia to make you unconscious, incise in your breast, remove the required tissue and muscles depending on the type of mastectomy and finally stitch the wound. He will make all efforts to leave behind as much healthy tissue as possible.

About 75% women undergoing mastectomy go for surgical reconstruction of breasts as well, mostly using artificial implants.

As with any other surgery, mastectomy also has some risks.

• Wound infections and excessive bleeding during or after the surgery.
• Sometimes it maybe difficult to drain lymph fluid from the arm and consequently swelling might occur.
• The incision site might become numb.
• Fluid might accumulate under the scar.

Is mastectomy the right option for you?

Mastectomy may be appropriate for you if:

• Cancer is present in two or more parts of your breast.
• Your breast size is small, so lumpectomy would result in too little breast tissue or too deformed breast.
• You cannot undergo radiation therapy.