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Mastectomy Basics

The definition of mastectomy means the surgical procedure with removes one or both breasts. This procedure can occur with both men and women. Depending upon the stage of breast cancer this surgery will be performed as it can prevent the spread of the disease. In most situations of this procedure, there will be the entire removal of the breast however there can be a partial; again it does depend upon the stage of the disease and the spread of the cancer itself. Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy have improved through technology so this does change how the mastectomy is performed and when it is performed. A doctor will determine the best treatment for a patient as it is rare for two patients to have an exact duplication of one another.

It is best for a patient to research the varieties of a mastectomy and ask any questions they may have about this procedure to their doctor until they feel confident. It is very important for patient and doctor to keep a communication line open. This will ensure the correct treatment is well planned and all parties involved are well aware of the situation at hand.

Mastectomy Procedure Considerations
There are multiple procedures that can be performed to complete a mastectomy depending upon each situation. They are simple (total), modified radical, and radical mastectomy; skin-sparing mastectomy; subcutaneous mastectomy; lumpectomy; and partial mastectomy. Each procedure is performed surgically and with special care to the patient because this a very delicate surgery; both mental and physical.

When a simple (total) mastectomy is performed, the entire breast is removed; the lymph nodes and surrounding muscle are left intact. When a modified radical mastectomy is performed the entire breast, the lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles are removed. The muscles remain intact. In the radical mastectomy, the breast, lymph nodes, muscles under the breast, and some of the surrounding fatty tissue is removed. The skin-sparing mastectomy procedure is a procedure in that the surgeon makes a much smaller incision, sometimes called a "keyhole" incision, circling the areola.

During the procedure of a subcutaneous mastectomy the tumor and breast tissue are removed, but the nipple and the overlying skin are left intact. In a lumpectomy procedure, the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue are removed. Many lymph nodes may also be removed during the procedure. In a partial mastectomy, a larger amount of breast tissue and some skin are removed with the tumor. This procedure also includes removal of the lining over chest muscles below the tumor and, usually, some lymph nodes. This surgical procedure is only for stage 1 and 2 tumors. (Information courtesy of The Surgery Channel)

Mastectomy Surgical Recovery Brief
The mastectomy recovery time overall varies it could be from a day to three days or more depending upon the surgery. (stats taken from AllReferHealth.com) For more information go to Recovery First. We have placed this topic where it would be most fitting.

 

There are various stages of cancer which equal various types of mastectomy procedures that can be completed. (Courtesy of The Surgery Channel)

What is a Mastectomy?

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