Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove one or both breasts, most often performed to treat or prevent breast cancer. Types include simple (total) mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and double mastectomy. It may also be recommended for people with very high genetic risk of breast cancer.

• Preoperative evaluation includes imaging and lab tests.
• Discuss current medications, especially blood thinners, with your surgeon.
• You may be asked to stop eating and drinking after midnight before surgery.
• Plan for recovery support at home and consider reconstructive surgery options in advance.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the chest, and breast tissue is removed. Depending on your case, lymph nodes may also be removed.

• Bleeding, infection, or poor wound healing.
• Fluid buildup (seroma) or swelling in the arm (lymphedema).
• Numbness or tightness in the chest wall.

Pathology results are available within several days to determine cancer stage or margins. Your care team will discuss additional treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy if needed. Recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks, with ongoing follow-up for cancer surveillance.