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Definition

A mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. There are 2 types:

• Breast-conserving:
  • Lumpectomy —The tumor and some normal tissue around it are taken out.
  • Partial mastectomy—Part of the breast that has cancer and some normal tissue around it are taken out. The lymph nodes or the lining of the chest muscle may also be taken out.
• Breast-tissue removal mastectomy types:
  • Simple—The whole breast is taken out. This includes the nipple and areola.
  • Skin-sparing—The skin that covers the breast is left except for the nipple and areola. This is like a simple mastectomy. It is done when reconstruction is planned. It has limits and may not be a choice for all women.
  • Modified radical—The whole breast, some lymph nodes in the armpit, and any affected chest muscles are taken out.
  • Radical—The whole breast, lymph nodes, and muscles of the chest wall are taken out (rare).

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Reasons for Procedure

A mastectomy is done to:

• Treat breast cancer —removes cancer cells and any affected tissue
• Prevent breast cancer—removes one or both breasts in women with a high risk of getting cancer
• Treat side effects from a past treatment—some people who have immune system problems may not be able to have radiation therapy

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all surgeries have some risk. Your doctor will go over problems that may happen, such as:

• Bleeding and bruising
• Seroma—build up of clear fluid in the cut
• Infection
• Lymphedema —swelling of the arm caused by a build up of fluid in lymph nodes
• Poor arm and shoulder movement
• Numbness of skin on upper arm
• Burning or stabbing pain

Some factors that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Obesity
• Smoking

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have problems such as:

• New signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Increased redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the site
• Cough, breathing problems, or chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Redness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, or hardness in the arm or hand on the side of the body where the lymph nodes were taken out
• New or worsening pain and swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
• Lumps or skin changes in the tissue that is left on mastectomy side
• Lumps, skin changes, or nipple drainage in remaining breast
• Symptoms of depression that last at least 2 weeks or longer

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.