2024-01-01 · breast, oncology, surgery
Mastectomy FAQ
What Is a Mastectomy?
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove breast tissue, most often to treat or prevent breast cancer. The amount of tissue removed varies by the type of mastectomy, which may include removal of the nipple, skin, or lymph nodes.
Why Is a Mastectomy Performed?
Mastectomy may be recommended for:
- Treatment of breast cancer
- Risk reduction in high-risk patients
- Large tumors relative to breast size
- Recurrence after breast-conserving surgery
Your care team will explain the surgical plan based on diagnosis and goals.
What Are the Types of Mastectomy?
Common types include:
- Total (simple) mastectomy
- Skin-sparing mastectomy
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Modified radical mastectomy with lymph node removal
The best option depends on cancer type, location, and reconstruction plans.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the planned breast tissue and may remove sentinel or axillary lymph nodes for staging. Some patients have immediate reconstruction, while others choose delayed reconstruction or no reconstruction.
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days. Surgical drains may be placed temporarily to remove fluid. Recovery typically involves several weeks of limited lifting and arm movement while healing progresses.
What Are the Risks or Complications?
Potential complications include:
- Infection or bleeding
- Seroma or fluid buildup
- Numbness or tightness in the chest or arm
- Lymphedema if lymph nodes are removed
Follow post-operative instructions closely and attend all follow-up visits.
Will I Need Additional Treatment?
Some patients need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy after mastectomy. Treatment plans are individualized based on pathology results and cancer staging.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Contact your provider if you have fever, increasing redness or swelling, drainage from the incision, or severe pain that is not controlled with medication.