How many types of mastectomies are there?

How many types of mastectomies are there?

There are five different types of mastectomy: “simple” or “total” mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, and subcutaneous (nipple-sparing) mastectomy.

Is a mastectomy considered major surgery?

Mastectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all of your treatment choices before having a mastectomy. The type of mastectomy you receive depends on the stage and type of your breast cancer.

What is the difference between a bilateral mastectomy and a double mastectomy?

A double mastectomy—also known as a bilateral mastectomy—is exactly what it sounds like: a surgery in which both breasts are removed at the same time. It’s major surgery that removes both breasts to remove cancer, or to reduce the risk of breast cancer in a woman who may be at high risk for the disease.

Are lymph nodes always removed during mastectomy?

Do The Lymph Nodes Always Need To Be Removed? Not always, especially when there is no evidence of any cancer in the lymph system. A mastectomy or lumpectomy operation will most often include either a sentinel node biopsy or an axillary node dissection.

Why is mastectomy performed?

A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast. Sometimes other tissues near the breast, such as lymph nodes, are also removed. This surgery is most often used to treat breast cancer. In some cases, a mastectomy is done to help prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk for it.

What is the reason for a mastectomy?

During a mastectomy, a surgeon removes tissue from one or both breasts. The purpose is usually to remove breast cancer, or prevent the spread or development of it. However, some people undergo mastectomies for other reasons. Some types of mastectomy remove only part of the breast tissue, and others are more extensive.

What is the average recovery time for a mastectomy?

It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks . However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months.

What is the average hospital stay for a mastectomy?

You’ll then be admitted to a hospital room. Hospital stays for mastectomy average 3 days or less. If you have a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, you may be in the hospital a little longer.

Do you have to have chemo if you have a mastectomy?

Does a patient need chemotherapy before or after they have a mastectomy? For most patients, the mastectomy is performed first and is followed by chemotherapy or other suitable treatments. But some patients have better success if that order is reversed and they receive chemotherapy before their surgery.

What are the steps of a mastectomy?

Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes. While you’re at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or

What do you need to know about having a mastectomy?

What You Need to Know About Having a Mastectomy Surgery Types: Partial Mastectomy (Lumpectomy): In this procedure for patients with small tumors, only the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed. Facts You Need to Know: It’s not “one size fits all.”. Talk to a plastic surgeon first. Recovery time varies. Risks are minimal. There is good news. See More from Dr.

What is a simple or total mastectomy for breast cancer?

A total mastectomy is a surgical procedure designed to treat breast cancer by removing an entire breast, including the breast tissue, nipple, areola and skin. Also known as simple mastectomy, this approach may be appropriate for a patient who has been diagnosed with multiple or extensive areas of ductal carcinoma in situ within a single breast.

What does a mastectomy reconstruction look like?

A: A reconstructed breast can look and feel almost exactly like a real breast. A breast reconstruction can look and feel almost exactly like a normal “real” breast. It does not depend on how much tissue has been removed. Rather, it depends on how the mastectomy and reconstruction was performed.