Why Is a Mastectomy Done?

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🩺 Why Is a Mastectomy Done?

✅ Common reasons:

  • Breast cancer diagnosis

  • High genetic risk (e.g. BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation)

  • DCIS or LCIS (early forms of breast cancer)

  • Preventive surgery (prophylactic mastectomy)

  • Recurrence of cancer after prior treatments

🔎 Types of Mastectomy

TypeDescription
Total (Simple) MastectomyRemoves the entire breast (nipple, areola, skin)
Modified Radical MastectomyRemoves the breast + nearby lymph nodes (but not chest muscles)
Radical Mastectomy (rare today)Removes breast, chest muscles, and lymph nodes
Skin-Sparing MastectomyRemoves breast tissue but keeps most of the skin for reconstruction
Nipple-Sparing MastectomyKeeps skin + nipple intact; only tissue underneath is removed
Double MastectomyBoth breasts are removed (can be preventive or treatment-based)

⚙️ What Happens During the Procedure?

  • Surgery is usually under general anesthesia

  • Lasts 1.5 to 3 hours

  • May involve drain tubes afterward

  • Hospital stay: Usually 1 day, sometimes outpatient

♻️ Reconstruction Options (Optional)

After a mastectomy, you may choose:

  • Breast reconstruction surgery (implants or tissue flaps)

  • External breast prosthesis

  • Or no reconstruction (known as "flat closure")

This is a personal decision, often based on medical, emotional, or financial factors.

💢 Risks & Side Effects

  • Pain, swelling, bruising

  • Scar tissue

  • Loss of sensation in chest area

  • Lymphedema (swelling due to lymph node removal)

  • Emotional impact (body image, grief, relief, trauma)

💗 Support for Mastectomy Patients

  • Oncology social workers

  • Support groups (e.g. BreastCancer.org, Living Beyond Breast Cancer)

  • Mental health support (trauma therapy, grief counseling)

  • Clothing options: Mastectomy bras, camisoles, and post-surgical garments

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