Do you need a referral for mastectomy?

A breast clinic, oncologist, primary care doctor or another clinician may send the referral. Certain services allow patients to request a consultation directly. In either route, the consultation is for evaluation and shared decision-making; it is not an automatic commitment to mastectomy.

The breast surgeon reviews why mastectomy is being considered, the breast imaging and pathology, previous treatment, other health conditions and your priorities. The conversation should cover the extent of breast tissue to be removed and whether lymph-node surgery is relevant.

Reconstruction can be immediate, delayed or not chosen, depending on clinical suitability and personal preference. If you want to explore it, ask early whether a plastic surgery consultation can be coordinated. The cancer and reconstruction plans may require input from more than one specialist.

Check with the chosen breast surgery service before arranging paperwork. Find out whether it needs a named referrer, a pathology result, imaging files or a clinical summary. If you are seeking another opinion, tell the current facility where the new team should receive the slides, reports and scans.

Write down all medicines, supplements and allergies, as well as previous breast or chest operations. Note your questions about reconstruction, flat closure, lymph nodes, hospital recovery and home support. Keep attending scheduled cancer appointments while the new consultation is arranged.

Contact the team that ordered your breast tests promptly if you have an abnormal result and no clear follow-up plan. New breast or underarm changes also warrant clinical assessment, but they do not by themselves establish which condition is present or which treatment is needed.

After breast surgery, follow the discharge instructions for fever, expanding redness, pus, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain, heavy bleeding or separation of the wound. Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or another rapidly worsening symptom.

Ask why mastectomy is recommended, whether breast-conserving treatment is an option, what will happen to the nipple and skin, and whether lymph nodes will be assessed. Discuss reconstruction choices, expected sensation changes, drain and wound care, arm movement, pathology timing and the contact route for postoperative concerns.