Thanks to advancements in cancer research, there’s a variety of procedures to treat breast cancer. At Comprehensive, our breast surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists create individualized treatment plans based on their specific condition.
Learn about a mastectomy and talk to your doctor about if it’s the right plan for you.
What Happens during a Mastectomy
What happens during a mastectomy procedure
Mastectomy is the treatment for breast cancer based on the surgical removal of the breast. The mastectomy procedure is performed on patients under the effects of general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the breast tissue, and depending on the extent of the cancer, the nipple, and areola. Afterwards, the skin is closed using stitches and a tube is temporarily attached to drain the fluid surrounding the wound.
Factors such as the size of the tumor, the stage of cancer, and the location of cancer may determine if you should have a mastectomy procedure and which type: total or partial mastectomies.
Types of mastectomy procedures
● Simple mastectomy: A simple mastectomy is where surgeons remove the entire breast along with the nipple, areola, and breast skin. Removal of lymph nodes under the arms may occur depending on the situation. This type of total mastectomy is the best option for severe cases to prevent future occurrences of breast cancer.
● Subcutaneous mastectomy: Subcutaneous, commonly known as skin-sparing, mastectomies remove the breast tissue, nipple, and areola, while leaving most of the skin allowing for reconstruction to look more natural. While the amount of breast tissue removed is the same as in a simple mastectomy, but skin-sparing mastectomies are not suitable for large tumors or tumors close to the surface of the skin.
● Nipple-sparing mastectomy: The nipple-sparing mastectomy is an alternative form of the skin-sparing mastectomy where the surgeon removes the breast tissue but leaves the breast skin and nipple intact. The surgeon removes the breast tissue under the nipple and areola while checking for cancer cells. This mastectomy is ideal for women in the early stages of cancer without signs of cancer in the skin or near the nipple.
● Radical mastectomy: A radical mastectomy is a rare type of surgery where the entire breast, lymph nodes, and the pectoral muscles are removed to treat large tumors growing in the pectoral muscles. This procedure was once very common, but less extensive alternatives have replaced it.
● Modified-radical mastectomy: Due to equal effectiveness and fewer side effects, modified-radical mastectomies almost entirely replaced radical mastectomies. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the entire breast, but fewer lymph nodes compared to its predecessor.
● Mastectomy with breast reconstruction: Depending on your case, you may be eligible for immediate breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. While it is possible to undergo breast reconstruction months or even years after a mastectomy, many patients opt to undergo the procedure at the same time. Make sure you speak to your surgeon to learn if you are a candidate for this approach.
The different types of mastectomies offer a variety of benefits to breast cancer patients through the entire or partial removal of the breast. Lumpectomies are an alternative to mastectomies offering the same treatment benefits without the removal of the best.
Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy
Lumpectomies, also known as breast-conserving surgeries, remove a portion of the breast where the tumor was located, leaving as much of the normal breast as possible. This procedure allows women with early-stage cancer to keep most of their breast. Talk to your doctor to determine which surgical procedure is right for you.
Mastectomy recovery tips
After undergoing a mastectomy procedure, women stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Most women are fairly functional and fully recover within two to six week or more. Doctors recommend:
● Being careful getting dressed and showering
● Look for possible signs of infection
● Complete doctor recommended arm exercises to prevent numbness and stiffness
● Follow-up with doctors
For a speedy recovery, follow all of your doctor’s instructions.
Find Out If the Mastectomy Procedure Is Right for You
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada is dedicated to providing the best treatment to all of our patients. We are proud to offer a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and breast surgeons all within one practice to provide you with a seamless flow of care. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, contact the Nevada cancer specialists at Comprehensive today at 702-952-3350 to find the optimal treatment options for breast surgery.
