Does a surgical oncologist perform a mastectomy?

Yes, a surgical oncologist can perform a mastectomy to remove breast tissue as part of cancer care. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, the operation may involve one breast or both breasts, and lymph-node assessment may be performed at the same time. A breast surgeon with oncology training may also carry out this procedure.

Mastectomy removes breast tissue, but the precise technique varies. The surgical team considers the location and nature of the disease, skin or nipple involvement, previous treatment, and reconstruction preferences. If reconstruction is chosen, a plastic surgeon may work with the cancer surgeon during the same operation or at a later stage. Removed tissue is sent for pathology examination.

Review the proposed procedure with the surgeon, including which breast tissue and lymph nodes will be removed and whether reconstruction is being considered. Share all medicines, supplements, allergies, and medical conditions with the team. Follow personalised instructions about food, drinks, and medication before surgery. Prepare loose front-opening clothing, transport home, and support for daily tasks during early healing.

Call the care team without delay for fever, spreading redness, warmth, pus, worsening pain, persistent bleeding, a wound that opens, or sudden swelling around the chest or armpit. Report a drain that stops working unexpectedly or produces a change your instructions identify as concerning. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, collapse, or a sudden severe reaction requires emergency assessment.

Find out which type of mastectomy is proposed and why, whether lymph nodes will be checked, and what sensation or movement changes may occur. Ask about drains, wound care, arm exercises, and the expected return to work or driving. Discuss reconstruction timing, options for living without reconstruction, pathology follow-up, and which oncology treatments might still be considered afterward.