What should you know about Scanlon modified radical mastectomy?

A Scanlon modified radical mastectomy is breast cancer surgery that removes breast tissue and selected underarm lymph nodes while preserving chest muscles. The exact operation depends on the tumour, lymph-node findings, breast anatomy, and any treatment given before surgery. The removed tissue is examined to guide further care.

The surgeon removes the breast and nipple area as planned, then removes lymph nodes from the armpit for staging or treatment. A drain may be left temporarily to remove fluid while the wound heals. Compared with a radical mastectomy, the chest muscles are generally preserved, although the final procedure should be confirmed with your surgeon.

Reconstruction may happen during the same operation or later, or you may choose a flat closure or an external prosthesis. Lumpectomy is a different operation that preserves most of the breast and is suitable only in selected situations. Paget disease of the breast can require its own surgical discussion.

Discuss medicines, allergies, smoking, previous operations, arm movement, and reconstruction before admission. Arrange help with washing, dressing, meals, and transport. Follow instructions for the drain, wound, pain relief, and showering. Gentle shoulder movement is introduced when your team says it is safe, while heavy lifting waits until healing allows.

Attend the pathology and follow-up appointments. Ask when additional treatment, such as chemotherapy before surgery or after surgery, may be considered. Protect the operated arm from injury and report swelling, heaviness, or reduced movement so lymphoedema therapy can be offered when appropriate.

Contact the surgical team for fever, increasing redness, wound opening, foul-smelling drainage, sudden swelling, worsening pain, or a drain that stops working. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting. New arm swelling or tightness also deserves early review rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

Ask which tissues and lymph nodes will be removed, whether chest muscles will be preserved, when the drain comes out, what reconstruction choices exist, how arm movement will be supported, and how pathology will influence the next treatment.