What is a mastectomy, and why is it performed?

A mastectomy is a surgical operation that involves in removing one or both breasts, typically as a treatment for breast cancer or a preventive measure for those at high genetic risk.

This operation is crucial for managing various types and stages of breast cancer, including

• Invasive ductal carcinoma
• Lobular carcinoma

Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may also be advised to lower their cancer risk significantly.

By removing the affected breast tissue, the surgery seeks to eradicate cancer cells and prevent the disease from advancing.

What types of mastectomies are available?

Several types of mastectomies are performed depending on the cancer’s extent and the patient’s needs:

• Partial Mastectomy (Lumpectomy): Removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. It is usually an option for early-stage cancer when preserving as much breast tissue as possible is preferred.
• Total Mastectomy (Simple Mastectomy): Involves removing all breast tissue, including the nipple, while preserving the pectoral muscles underneath. It can be unilateral (one breast) or bilateral (both breasts).
• Double Mastectomy (Bilateral Mastectomy): Removes both breasts and is often chosen when cancer is present in both or when there is a high risk of developing cancer in the other breast.
• Skin-Sparing/Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Preserves the skin and/or nipple for potential reconstruction. Suitable for cases where cancer is confined and does not involve these areas.
• Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast along with underarm lymph nodes. This approach is used if there is a risk of cancer spreading to these nodes.
• Radical Mastectomy: An extensive surgery that removes the entire breast, lymph nodes, and pectoral muscles, rarely performed but used if cancer has invaded these areas.

How is a mastectomy performed, and what should you expect?

During a mastectomy, the patient is under general anesthesia.

The procedure starts with the surgical team preparing the area and potentially using a tracer or dye to highlight lymph nodes.

The type of mastectomy determines the extent of tissue removal.

Immediate or later breast reconstruction may be included based on the treatment plan and patient preference.

Post-surgery, a temporary drain is often placed to manage fluid buildup and assist in recovery.

What are the benefits of undergoing a mastectomy?

A mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence and, for those with a high genetic risk, can lower the chance of developing cancer by up to 90%.

What is the expected recovery process and outlook?

Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of one or more nights, with an initial focus on pain management and caring for the surgical site and drains.

Complete wound healing usually takes about three weeks, with soreness and stiffness decreasing over six weeks.

Gentle exercise aids recovery, and additional treatments or follow-up surgeries, including breast reconstruction, may be necessary based on individual healing and cancer treatment needs.

Consult with your doctor to discuss your mastectomy options and develop a personalized treatment and recovery