Types of Mastectomy: From Radical to Nipple-Sparing Surgery

An Overview of the Different Types of Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a surgery that removes breast tissue, usually to treat or stop breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomy, and the type that is best for a patient depends on their health and treatment goals. Understanding these types of mastectomy can help patients and their families make informed decisions. We will talk about the different kinds of mastectomy and who they are for below.

1. Radical Mastectomy: 

The radical mastectomy is the most extensive and aggressive type of mastectomy. This surgery takes out the whole breast, including the breast tissue, the skin that covers the breast, the nipple, and sometimes the chest muscles that are underneath. It also usually means taking out lymph nodes from the armpit area.

Radical mastectomy used to be the main way to treat breast cancer, but now it is used less often because it is very invasive and can cause serious side effects, like not being able to move your arms or feeling weak because muscle was removed.

Who is it for?

Radical mastectomy is usually only done when cancer has spread deeply into the chest muscles or when the tumour is too big to be removed by less invasive surgeries. It's also used when other treatments haven't worked.

2. Modified radical mastectomy

The modified radical mastectomy is a less invasive and more common surgery today than the radical mastectomy. The whole breast and lymph nodes under the arm are taken out in this surgery, but the chest muscles are left alone.

Patients usually heal faster and feel less pain because it doesn't hurt the chest muscles. Many doctors still recommend this surgery for treating breast cancer, and it works very well.

Who is it for?

People with bigger tumours or cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes near the breast are often told to have a modified radical mastectomy. It strikes a balance between controlling cancer well and keeping muscles working.

3. Mastectomy (simple or total)

A simple mastectomy, also known as a total mastectomy, takes out the whole breast, including the skin and nipple. However, it does not take out the lymph nodes or chest muscles. So, it's not as big as a radical or modified radical mastectomy.

When the cancer is only in the breast and there is no sign that it has spread to the lymph nodes, a simple mastectomy is usually done. Sometimes, women choose this surgery instead of a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) because of personal preference or medical reasons.

Who is it for?

This type is usually suggested for people who have early-stage breast cancer and a small tumour that doesn't involve any lymph nodes. It can also be a way to stop breast cancer from happening in women who are at high risk of getting it.

4. Mastectomy that doesn't hurt the skin

The skin-sparing mastectomy is a newer type of surgery that helps keep the breast looking natural after surgery. The surgeon takes out the breast tissue and nipple during this procedure, but most of the breast skin stays the same.

Keeping the skin intact makes it possible to do breast reconstruction right away, either during the same surgery or soon after. People like this option because it makes the results look better and makes patients feel better about themselves after treatment.

Who is it for?

Skin-sparing mastectomy is a good choice for people who want to have breast reconstruction right away. It is also a good choice for some types of breast cancer where keeping the skin intact does not make the cancer more likely to come back.

5. Mastectomy that doesn't remove the nipple

The nipple-sparing mastectomy is the least invasive type when it comes to keeping the breast's shape. It takes out the breast tissue but leaves the nipple and most of the skin on the breast alone.

This surgery gives the best cosmetic results because it keeps the nipple and skin. Most of the time, patients who have this type of mastectomy can have reconstruction right away, which makes it easier to get the breast back to its natural shape.

Who is it for?

Not everyone can have a nipple-sparing mastectomy. It is usually given to patients whose tumours are not near the nipple and who do not show any signs of cancer in the nipple area. The surgeon needs to carefully check this option to make sure it is safe.

Getting better and taking care of yourself

The time it takes to recover from a mastectomy depends on the type. Less invasive surgeries, like nipple-sparing, usually heal faster and hurt less. Patients often work with physical therapists to get their strength and mobility back, especially if they had lymph nodes taken out.

Regular follow-up visits after surgery are important to keep an eye on the healing process and look for any signs that the cancer has come back.

Consult Today

Patients can make better decisions about their care if they know about the different types of mastectomy. Each type has its own pros and cons, and the best one for you depends on your medical needs and personal preferences.

If you or someone you care about has breast cancer, you can trust the experts at Oncare Cancer Hospital to give you the best treatment options and care. Their skilled team will help you every step of the way with personalised treatment plans, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and full support.