Mastectomy

Mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. The operation may remove one breast or both, and may include the nipple, areola, skin, or nearby lymph nodes depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan. Reconstruction can happen during the same operation or later, while some people choose a flat closure or a prosthesis.

Mastectomy removes some or all breast tissue, with the surgical plan shaped by cancer type, extent, and reconstruction wishes.

Planning includes breast imaging, tissue diagnosis, discussion of lymph-node surgery, and a conversation about reconstruction or no reconstruction. Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon removes the planned tissue and may check lymph nodes. Drains can collect fluid while the wound heals. The removed tissue is examined to guide further treatment.

Common effects include pain, tightness, bruising, altered sensation, arm stiffness and tiredness. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, fluid collection, wound-healing problems, shoulder limitation and lymphoedema. Seek urgent advice for heavy bleeding, fever, spreading redness, severe swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.

The expected benefit depends on the cancer type, tumour extent, lymph-node findings and whether treatment is given before or after surgery. Mastectomy can remove the breast tissue containing a known cancer or extensive abnormal cells. Pathology results help determine whether radiotherapy, hormone treatment, chemotherapy or other care is needed.

The operation is tailored rather than identical for everyone. Lymph-node assessment may be separate from breast removal. Reconstruction is a choice, not a requirement, and its timing may be influenced by radiotherapy or other treatment.

It may be recommended for some people with Breast Cancer, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer in Men, or Paget Disease of the Breast. Reasons include a large or multifocal area, cancer in a form not suited to breast-conserving surgery, or a personal choice after discussing alternatives.

The team marks the surgical plan and gives anaesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision, removes the planned breast tissue, and performs lymph-node surgery when indicated. If chosen, reconstruction may begin at once. Drains are placed when needed, the wound is closed, and the specimen goes to pathology.

Early recovery focuses on wound and drain care, pain relief, gentle arm movement and safe daily activity. The team explains when to shower, drive and lift. Scar sensitivity and altered chest sensation can persist while healing continues. Follow-up reviews pathology, wound progress, arm movement and any need for additional treatment.

Risks vary with the operation, lymph-node surgery, reconstruction and general health. Contact the surgical team for increasing drainage, wound separation, fever, redness or a new fluid swelling. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness or collapse requires emergency care.

For selected diagnoses, Lumpectomy followed by other treatment may preserve the breast. Chemotherapy Before Surgery can reduce or control disease before an operation in some situations. The team weighs tumour features, imaging, genetics, preferences and the need for radiotherapy when comparing choices.

Seek a breast multidisciplinary team that includes a breast surgeon, oncology specialists and reconstructive expertise when wanted. Ask about the exact tissue removed, lymph-node plan, drain care, reconstruction timing, arm exercises and who to call after discharge.