Mastectomy - Maximed Turkey
What Is Mastectomy?
Many people become curious about the definition of
mastectomy when they hear this term. So what is it? A mastectomy is a surgical
procedure that involves removing (and sometimes replacing) one or both breasts
to treat breast cancer.
The breast tissue is removed via the armpit to prevent
tumors from developing or spreading. It can also be performed to remove skin
cancer, lymph node cancer, and other abnormal growths found in your body.
There are many different surgical procedures involved
with mastectomy, so it's important to consult your doctor for further
information about what surgeries you will need for you to feel comfortable with
this process for yourself or someone you love.
Is Mastectomy The Same Thing As Breast Cancer Surgery?
Sort of. While the two words are commonly used in
association with one another, there is a difference in meaning between them.
Mastectomy is one of several types of surgery that can
be performed to remove breast cancer tissue. It may also be known as a radical
or modified radical mastectomy, depending on your state of health or what stage
of breast cancer you may be experiencing. It may also be called partial breast
removal.
The procedure is often used to remove malignant tumors
or reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Mastectomy does
not automatically indicate breast cancer; it simply removes any traces of the
disease, whether malignant or benign.
The word mastectomy is derived from the Greek word
"mastos", which means "breast" plus the word
"ektomie", which means "to remove". It can be defined as an
operation that involves removing whole breasts (and possibly surrounding lymph
nodes, depending on your state of health) to remove malignant or abnormal
tissue. Most people who undergo mastectomy are women who have developed breast
cancer.
What Are The Types Of Mastectomy?
There are several types of mastectomy, depending on
what type of breast cancer you may be experiencing.
The principal differences among these procedures
include how strongly your breasts will be reduced, how much skin is removed,
and whether the skin is removed at all.
Simple Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing one
or both breasts along with some or all of the skin that surrounds them. It's
often used in women who have early-stage breast cancer with small tumors that
are unlikely to come back again.
During this process, it may be possible to preserve
some nipple sensation depending on your doctor's recommendations. This type of
mastectomy is the most common type that is performed.
This procedure involves removing one or both breasts
along with some or all of the skin that surrounds them. It's often used in
women who have early-stage breast cancer with small tumors that are unlikely to
come back again.
During this process, it may be possible to preserve
some nipple sensation depending on your doctor's recommendations. This type of
mastectomy is the most common type that is performed.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: In this procedure, a
section of each breast from below the armpit up to the armpit area including
the part closest to your body, and then a cut into your armpit through which a
cancerous tumor can be removed via needle biopsy.
It's often used when the cancer is found in the armpits
or chest wall or when you have HER2-positive breast cancer.
In this procedure, a section of each breast from below
the armpit up to the armpit area including the part closest to your body, and
then a cut into your armpit through which a cancerous tumor can be removed via
needle biopsy. It's often used when the cancer is found in the armpits or chest
wall or when you have HER2-positive breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions On Mastectomy
What Are The Risks Involved With Mastectomy?
Mastectomy procedures do have their risks, but they are
minimal. Most of the time, there will be little or no pain associated with
these surgeries because much of this time will be spent in the operating room.
Depending on the type of operation you are having, you
may still feel some discomfort during recovery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Mastectomy?
Recovery time after a mastectomy will depend on your
surgeon's recommendations. You should expect to take at least one week off from
work if you have a simple procedure performed. If your breastbone is being used
as skin, it may take longer before you can return to normal activities.
What Is The Difference Between Simple And Modified Radical Mastectomies?
Both procedures involve removing breast tissue in
combination with skin. The main difference between these two procedures is that
the skin in the simple procedure is not removed.
Only the breast tissue needs to be removed in a
modified radical surgery, while all of the skin needs to be removed after
surgery in a simple surgery.
