Does mastectomy treat breast cancer?

A mastectomy is an operation to remove all or most breast tissue, depending on the type of surgery. The surgeon may also assess or remove nearby lymph nodes. The decision depends on the cancer's size, position, number of areas involved, breast size, inherited risk, and personal preferences. Removing the breast does not by itself determine whether medicines or radiotherapy are also needed.

Ask the breast team to explain the operation, alternatives, expected recovery, and effects on sensation and movement. Discuss whether breast reconstruction is possible immediately or later, or whether you prefer a prosthesis or no reconstruction. Your plan may involve surgery with additional treatment based on the pathology results and the cancer's features.

Follow the surgical team's wound and activity instructions. Seek urgent advice for fever, breathlessness, chest pain, heavy bleeding, sudden arm swelling, or rapidly increasing redness, warmth, pain, or drainage from the wound. Report persistent stiffness or reduced shoulder movement so rehabilitation can be considered.

Ask why mastectomy is recommended, whether breast-conserving surgery is an option, which lymph nodes may be assessed, and what pathology could change the plan. Ask about reconstruction timing, recovery support, and treatments after surgery.