What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. It's usually done to treat breast cancer. The types of operations have really changed over the last 20 years, making many options available.

These are four main types:

• Breast sparing surgery (Also known as a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery. Only a part of the breast is removed.)
• Simple mastectomy (Removal of the entire breast. No lymph nodes or muscles are removed.)
• Modified radical mastectomy (Removal of the entire breast and lymph nodes. No chest muscles are removed.)
• Radical mastectomy (Removal of the entire breast, lymph nodes and chest muscles.)

Why does a mastectomy need to be performed?

A mastectomy is one way to treat breast cancer. In some cases, women may choose to have a mastectomy to prevent breast cancer if it runs in their faamily or they want to try to prevent further recurrence.

After a mastectomy, women may need radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer they have. They may also have breast reconstruction surgery after they finish treatment.

How is a mastectomy performed?

That really depends on the type of surgery. A partial mastectomy (or lumpectomy) can be done with a small incision. The lump or tumor is removed, and the skin is closed. Usually the scar is small.

When the entire breast is removed, there are several ways surgeons like to operate. They may use techniques that cause less scarring and allow for better reconstruction. This is done by making an incision around the nipple and removing the entire breast.

If lymph nodes or muscles are removed, the surgery becomes more complex.

How long does the surgery take?

That really depends on the surgeon and the type of mastectomy. A partial mastectomy (or lumpectomy) can take less than an hour. On the other hand, a modified radical mastectomy can take several hours.

Usually, general anesthesia (being put to sleep) is used for major operations. Most patients go home after a few days if there are no major problems.

What are the risks?

The operation is considered low risk, so major problems are rare. Bleeding and infection are possible at the incision. You may get some numbness around the scar. If your lymph nodes are removed, you may get some arm swelling. Other risks, including death, are very rare.

Talk to your doctor if you're thinking about breast surgery. Make sure you understand all your optons.

Related Articles Who Gets Breast Cancer? Should You Have a Mastectomy to Prevent Breast Cancer?

External Sources American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American Society for Reproductive Medicine Breastcancer.org National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.