What is Mastectomy?
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. While some forms of mastectomy involve removing the entire breast, others can preserve all or some of the nipple, areola, and breast skin.
Who Needs a Mastectomy?
Mastectomy may be recommended for you if:
- Your tumor is large relative to your breast size.
- You have two or more tumors in different areas of your breast.
- You have the BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other high-risk gene mutation.
- You believe a mastectomy would give you greater peace of mind than a lumpectomy.
- You have had breast cancer before in the same breast.
- You have multiple or very large areas of DCIS. (link to malignant breast disease page)
- Your healthcare provider recommends that you avoid radiation due to prior radiation to the same breast or other health issues.
Board-Certified Surgeon
MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.
More About Dr. Ley
What to Expect
During mastectomy surgery, all of the breast tissue is typically removed, as well as some underarm lymph nodes. You may undergo a mastectomy to remove one breast, which is called a unilateral mastectomy, or both breasts, known as a bilateral mastectomy.
There are various kinds of mastectomy. Our team will work with you to determine which is best for your individual case.
Total Mastectomy: Also called a simple mastectomy, your surgeon will remove all of the breast tissue and much of the skin, as well as the nipple and areola.
Skin Sparing Mastectomy: All of the breast tissue, the nipple, and usually the areola is removed, while most of the skin of the breast is preserved.
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy: All of the breast tissue is removed, while the nipple, areola, and skin of the breast are preserved.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: This procedure removes the breast tissue, and most underarm lymph nodes. The amount of skin and nipple removed is variable.
Radical Mastectomy: During this procedure, all of the breast tissue and skin, nipple and areola, chest wall muscles under the breast, and some of the underarm lymph nodes are removed. While used often in the distant past, this procedure is rarely performed today.
Prophylactic Mastectomy: Also called a risk-reducing or preventative mastectomy, this procedure is done to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend this option if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and/or have a strong family history of breast cancer. All of the types of mastectomy are available when having a risk-reducing mastectomy. It is important to understand that the risk of cancer is very low after this surgery but never zero. Speak with your doctor today about whether this option is right for you.
“The level of care is excellent.”
Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy
Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later date. While Dr. Ley does not perform breast reconstruction procedures, she is happy to recommend a skilled plastic surgeon in the area to help you with this part of your breast health journey. The breast and plastic surgeons work closely together, often at the same time in the operating room if possible.
Contact Us Today
At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we are here to support you on your breast health journey. For more information regarding mastectomy, please contact our Tucson, AZ office today.
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