The Basics
Mastectomy is a permanent surgical procedure that removes all breast and/or surrounding tissues to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Your doctor will recommend when it might be appropriate for you to have a mastectomy. There are breast-conserving procedures to treat some cases of breast cancer, such as lumpectomy with radiation. Be sure to discuss these options with your doctor and ask if they may be appropriate for you.
Mastectomy may be the best option for a number of situations:
- It's difficult for you to gain access to a radiation facility.
- You are pregnant (radiation is harmful to the baby).
- You have a gene mutation that puts you at higher risk for breast cancer.
- You have a large tumor relative to the size of your breast.
- You have connective tissue disease.
- You have had a lumpectomy without success.
- You have had radiations treatment to the breast.
- You have multiple tumors in separate areas of the breast.
- You have widespread malignant-appearing calcium deposits in your breast.
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
Risks and precautions
In general, surgery and the use of anesthesia come with some risks that are associated with factors like your health condition and what the surgery involves. Side effects are very rare but can include trouble breathing, reactions to the anesthetic, bleeding, infection, scarring, and death. If you have concerns, talk about these risks with your doctor or surgeon.
Mastectomy is usually a straightforward and safe procedure. However, there are some risks of complications or side effects, including:
- hematoma (buildup of blood) in the area where the surgery was performed
- mastectomy pain syndrome (chronic pain at the chest wall and tingling down the arm)
- numbness from nerve damage
- scar tissue formation
- shoulder pain and stiffness
- swelling of the arm
Talk to your doctor if you experience these complications or side effects. It is important that you understand all the risks of complications and side effects of a mastectomy, and what you or your doctor can do to avoid them. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all your concerns.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of an infection:
- fever
- redness or swelling that worsens
- yellow or green discharge
- foul smell coming from the incision
Some people may experience complications or side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you after the mastectomy.
Before the test
It is important that you fully understand what a mastectomy involves beforehand. Ask your doctor to explain the risks, benefits, and drawbacks of a mastectomy, and don't be shy to probe further until you are comfortable with your doctor's responses.
You will have many tests conducted before the procedure such as: CT scans, bone scans, and chest X-rays. You should also discuss with your surgeon whether or not you would like to have breast reconstruction and when.
You may not be able to eat or drink before the procedure; follow the timing that your doctor recommended. In general, people are advised to not eat for 8 hours before the procedure; however, you may be able to continue to drink clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure.
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications, supplements, or herbal products, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them whether it is necessary for you to stop taking any of these medications and products before the mastectomy. It is also important to tell them if you have allergies to certain medications or have certain medical conditions.
Plan to have someone drive you home after the mastectomy.