WHAT IS A
MASTECTOMY?
by Crimson Lingerie
The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could.
What is a Mastectomy
A Mastectomy is the medical term for the partial or whole removal of the breast. Mastectomies are most often performed to treat breast cancer or as a preventative measure for those who are high-risk.
Five Common Types of Mastectomy's:
- Simple or Total Mastectomy
- Modified Radical Mastectomy
- Radical Mastectomy
- Partial Mastectomy
- Nipple-sparing Mastectomy
Simple or Total Mastectomy
Simple or Total Mastectomies focus on the removal of breast tissue. This includes areas of the breast such as: the areola, breast tissue, the nipple, and skin. In a simple or total mastectomy not all lymph nodes are removed, but most of the axillary lymph nodes located under the arm are.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Modified Radical Mastectomies remove both the breast tissue and lymph nodes. This includes the areola, breast tissue, nipple, skin as well as the level I and II underarm lymph nodes. For people with invasive forms of breast cancer this is often the surgery performed as modified radical mastectomies allow for the axillary lymph nodes to be dissected and examined. This is important in stopping the spread.
Radical Mastectomy
A Radical Mastectomy is the most thorough form of mastectomy. In this surgery the breast tissues, level I, II and III lymph nodes, and the chest wall muscle will be removed. Radical mastectomies are usually only performed when the breast cancer has spread to the muscle under the breast. If possible most medical professionals will opt for the modified radical mastectomy as it is less invasive.
Partial Mastectomy
A Partial Mastectomy attempts to only remove the cancerous areas and their surrounding tissue. Often referred to as a Lumpectomy, partial mastectomies allow for the preservation of sensation and the bulk of the breast tissue.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
In a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy all of the breast tissue is removed but the areola, nipple, and breast skin are left intact. A small section of tissue behind the nipple and areola is examined for cancer and if found the nipple, areola, and skin will also be removed.
Continue reading to learn more about the External Breast Prosthesis