Overview
Mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.
General Information
- Organ removed: Breast tissue
- Purpose: Breast cancer or high cancer risk
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Hospital stay: Same day to 1–2 days
- Anesthesia: General
- Recovery: 4–6 weeks
Why it’s done
- Breast cancer
- DCIS (early-stage cancer)
- High risk (e.g., BRCA mutation)
Types of Mastectomy
- Simple/Total
- Modified Radical
- Skin/Nipple-sparing
Before Surgery
- Stop medications as advised
- May need imaging/lab tests
- Discuss reconstruction options