Mastectomy is the surgical removal of a breast or part of a breast, usually as a treatment for cancer.

Types

There are several types of mastectomy, based on which muscles, glands, and other tissues are surgically removed.
  • Lumpectomy -- surgical removal of the tumor along with some of the surrounding breast tissue

  • Partial mastectomy -- surgical removal of the tumor along with as much as one half of the breast

  • Simple mastectomy -- surgical removal of the entire breast

  • Modified radical mastectomy -- surgical removal of the entire breast plus the armpit lymph nodes

  • Radical mastectomy -- surgical removal of the entire breast, the armpit lymph nodes, and the muscles below the breast

  • Extended radical mastectomy -- surgical removal of the entire breast plus additional tissue in the chest, as well as the armpit lymph nodes and chest muscles

  • Super-radical mastectomy -- extremely rare surgical removal of the same tissues and muscles that are removed in the extended radical, plus some tissues and lymph nodes in the neck

The shaded portions show the area affected by each type of mastectomy.

The shaded portions show the area affected by each type of mastectomy.

Choice of Type

The type of mastectomy to be performed is determined by a multitude of factors, including the location, size, and type of tumor. The age and general health of the patient are also extremely important.

A biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic examination) will be performed before the mastectomy. In addition, other tests may be done to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

There is some question about how extensive the surgery should be. In recent years, the lumpectomy has become the most frequently chosen procedure, although many women with breast cancer choose a modified radical mastectomy. In nearly all cases, women who undergo lumpectomy also need postoperative radiation therapy. There are differences of opinion in medical circles, so a woman facing a mastectomy should thoroughly discuss all of the procedures and available options with her doctor.

Treatment

The patient is hospitalized, and the operation is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may begin at a later time. Checkups every three to six months are recommended.

Early Detection

Establishing the habit of breast self-examination every month is often recommended to women. With this simple routine, a woman may detect a cancerous lump before cancer cells can spread beyond the breast.

Many experts recommend annual mammography (X-ray examination of the breasts) for women over the age of 50 and for younger women who are at high risk for breast cancer. (Women at high risk for breast cancer include those who have had breast cancer in the past or who have a mother or sister who has had the disease.)



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