What should you know about mastectomy in men?

Male breast cancer is uncommon but can occur, and a mastectomy may remove the nipple, areola, breast tissue, and nearby skin when needed. The surgeon may also assess lymph nodes to learn whether disease has spread beyond the breast. Paget disease can affect the nipple and may require a different surgical plan.

Your team considers tumour size and position, skin involvement, previous treatment, general health, and whether reconstruction matters to you. Some people may be offered breast-conserving surgery instead, while others need removal of most or all breast tissue.

Before surgery, discuss the planned incision, nipple and skin removal, lymph-node surgery, drains, pain control, arm movement, and expected scar. Ask when you can shower, drive, work, and lift objects. If reconstruction is a goal, meet the reconstructive surgeon before the operation so timing and options are clear.

Treatment may include chemotherapy before surgery when the oncology team believes it could help the overall plan. Useful background is available on [Mastectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/mastectomy/), [Breast Reconstruction](/treatments/surgical-oncology/breast-reconstruction/), and [Lumpectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/lumpectomy/).

Call the surgical team for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, wound separation, pus, fever, uncontrolled pain, or a drain that suddenly stops or fills with fresh blood. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting needs emergency care.

What tissue and lymph nodes will be removed? Will the nipple or skin be preserved? Is reconstruction appropriate now or later? How will pathology affect further treatment? What exercises protect shoulder movement without disturbing healing?