Mastectomy

Mastectomy Treatment & Diagnostics in Tardeo, Mumbai

Mastectomy

Breast cancer is a significant health threat for women. However, there are various ways in which we may reduce the risk of developing the disease. Take for example mastectomy, a measure for breast cancer prevention.

What do we need to know about mastectomy?

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure through which tissues from the breast are removed either for treating the tumor or preventing it. During the procedure, either one (unilateral mastectomy) or both (bilateral mastectomy) of your breasts may be removed.

For a long time, radical mastectomy was regarded as the standard procedure. But with advancing technology, various other types of mastectomy have been devised.

What are the types of mastectomies? Why are they done?

1. Prophylactic mastectomy: Women may choose a preventive surgery method, known as prophylactic mastectomy, if they face almost 90 percent risk of getting breast cancer. Under prophylactic mastectomy, healthy breasts are removed to avoid the risk of getting the cancer.
2. Simple mastectomy: Under simple or total mastectomy, your whole breast, including the nipple, is removed. This mastectomy is done when the tumor has not spread far from the breast. Sometimes, lymph nodes, tiny glands in the immune system, are also removed.
3. Radical mastectomy: Doctors rarely recommend radical mastectomy these days because it isn’t as effective as others. It is mainly suggested if the cancer has spread through the chest muscle. Under it, the whole breasts, including overlying skin and lymph nodes are removed.
4. Modified radical mastectomy: Unlike radical mastectomy, in which the chest muscle is also removed, leaving the area hollow, the muscle remains in place under modified radical mastectomy. The lining over the large muscle is removed along with breast tissues, areola, nipples and lymph nodes.
5. Nipple-sparing mastectomy: It is also called total skin-sparing mastectomy. Under it, the areola and nipple area are saved if the site is cancer-free. However, immediate breast reconstruction is required after this type of mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is the surgery done to restore the shape of the breast. It can be done during the mastectomy or later.
6. Skin-sparing mastectomy:This mastectomy is only used when breast reconstruction is done right after the mastectomy. A surgeon removes tissues, areola and nipple and saves the rest of the skin over the breast if the tumor hasn’t spread in that area.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Visit a doctor when:

• The tumor is large.
• Radiation therapy is not an option.
• There are more than two tumors in separate parts of a breast.
• The gene mutation in your breast can increase the chance of getting cancer for the second time.

In such cases, a mastectomy might be recommended.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Tardeo, Mumbai. 

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risks?

Although the procedure might be safe, there may be some risks:

• Infection or bleeding in the wound
• Pain in the breast
• Swelling of arms
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Accumulation of blood at the surgery site
• Numbness in the upper arm from the removal of lymph nodes

Conclusion

To be aware of your breast health, ask your doctor what is expected of you. You can add regular checkups, ultrasounds and clinical breast examinations to your schedule to keep track of your breast health.