Mastectomy
Mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast. The most commonly done mastectomies are called simple and modified radical. During these procedures, the chest muscle is not removed. As a result, arm strength remains. Keeping the chest muscle also makes reconstruction easier.
Simple Mastectomy
During a simple mastectomy, the breast tissue (lobules, ducts, and fatty tissue) and a strip of skin containing the nipple are removed. This surgery most often requires a hospital stay. Based on the results of surgery and follow-up tests, further treatment may be needed.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
This type of mastectomy is usually done to treat invasive cancer. During the mastectomy the breast tissue and a strip of skin with the nipple is removed. Some of the axillary lymph nodes are also removed. The removed nodes are tested for cancer. Sometimes a surgical drain is placed to keep fluid from building up. This drain is removed 3–4 days after surgery. Modified radical mastectomy almost always requires a hospital stay. Based on the results of the surgery and follow-up tests, further treatment may also be needed.
Risks and Complications of Mastectomy
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Pain or numbness under the arm
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Bleeding or infection
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Stiffness of the shoulder
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Fluid collection (seroma)
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Long-term swelling of the arm (lymphedema)
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Publication Source:
Abeloff MD, Wolff AC, Wood WC, McCormick B, Weber BL, Clinical Oncology, 3rd ed., Chapter 94 - Cancer of the breast, 2004, pp 2416-2419
Online Medical Reviewer:
Trahan, Katherine MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
8/1/2005