What should you know about full mastectomy?

The surgeon removes breast tissue through an incision and may assess or remove selected lymph nodes. Whether the nipple, skin, or chest muscle is preserved depends on the tumour location, skin involvement, reconstruction plan, and surgical goals. A mastectomy may be recommended for breast cancer or selected non-invasive disease, but the reason differs from person to person. The removed tissue is examined to clarify margins, tumour features, and lymph node findings. Those results help determine whether further treatment is needed.

Before surgery, discuss the incision, drains, pain plan, arm movement, and whether reconstruction or a prosthesis is an option. Ask whether treatment before surgery could change the operation. After discharge, keep the wound and drains as instructed, take prescribed medicines, and begin exercises only as advised. Arrange help with lifting and daily tasks while movement is limited. The pathology review should cover what was removed, the margins, and the next appointment.

Contact the surgical team for fever, increasing redness, wound separation, worsening swelling, foul-smelling drainage, or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan. Ask for advice if a drain stops working or fills rapidly. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or sudden weakness. Later arm or chest swelling may benefit from assessment for lymphoedema and early rehabilitation support.

Why is this operation recommended for me? Will lymph nodes, skin, or the nipple be removed? Could I have reconstruction now or later? Would lumpectomy be appropriate? Will I need treatment before or after surgery? When will pathology guide the next decision?