Amastectomyis the surgical removal of a breast, either to treat or toprevent breast cancer.
There are different types of mastectomy procedures depending on an individuals’s diagnosis.
This article explains what is involved in a mastectomy procedure.
It also covers different types of mastectomy surgeries, potential risks, as well as recovery.
What Is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is performed in a hospital under generalanesthesia, or a medication that prevents pain.
The procedure typically lasts two to three hours.
After a mastectomy, you might decide if you want to rebuild the breast that was removed.
This is calledbreast reconstruction.It may be performed at the time of the mastectomy, which is called immediate reconstruction.
What Are the Different Types of Mastectomies?
However, the surgery can be performed using skin and nipple sparing techniques.
It also leaves the muscle under the breast intact.
The incision can also be altered to remove scar tissue from previous procedures.
Once the breast tissue is removed, the incision is closed with either absorbable sutures, or staples.
What is a double mastectomy?
During a double, orbilateral mastectomy, both breasts are removed.
This surgery is usually performed as a simple mastectomy on both breasts.
This surgery typically includes the removal of both the nipple and areola.
However, the surgery can be performed using skin and nipple sparing techniques.
A radical mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue of the affected breast.
Only the skin required to end the incision is left in place.
This surgery leaves very little tissue other than skin over the rib bones.
The breast tissue is then removed through that area.
Nipple and skin sparing techniques can be used in combination with most mastectomy surgeries.
What Are the Contraindications?
A mastectomy may be contraindicated in the following cases:
What Is the Purpose of a Mastectomy?
This is called aprophylacticmastectomy.
It may be performed if:
Mastectomy or Breast-Conserving Surgery?
If an individual chooses breast-conserving surgery, they will most likely also need radiation.
As a result, most individuals choose BCS with radiation.
confirm you fully understand the instructions, especially in regards to your medication regimen.
What Should I Expect on the Day of Surgery?
You will then be taken into the operating room.
There you will be givenanesthesia medicationsto help with pain and put you to sleep.
What Is Recovery Like?
Whether or not you undergo breast reconstruction, a mastectomy requires long-term care.
There are many mastectomy products available including bras, breast forms, and swimsuits.
What Are Potential Risks and Complications?
As with any surgery, a mastectomy comes with potential risks and complications.
There are several different types of mastectomy procedures that may be performed.
The amount of time it takes to recover from this procedure will vary from person to person.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications.
A Word From Verywell
A mastectomy is a major surgery.
Even though the recovery period is typically uncomplicated, it can be an exhausting process.
Reach out to your healthcare team if you feel overwhelmed during this time.
Individuals in stages I, II, or III are typically treated with surgery.
A mastectomy may cause pain and some soreness.
The amount of discomfort will vary from person to person.
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American Cancer Society.Breast Cancer Treatment By Stage.
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