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In this operation, the whole breast is removed together with
some lymph nodes. The chest muscles behind the breast are
not removed. Usually, radiation therapy is not needed.
The side of your chest that was operated on will be flat
with a scar across it. While you are in hospital you may be
given a free temporary "breast form". After about
6-8 weeks you can be fitted for a permanent breast form or
"external prosthesis". You will look the same as
you always did in ordinary clothes, evening dress and a swimsuit.
Your surgeon may recommend a mastectomy where there is more
than one tumour, the cancer is large or in a difficult position,
because the final appearance of breast conserving treatment
is not good or because the cancer is likely to have spread
throughout the whole breast. In some cases where you have
breast conserving treatment, you may need a mastectomy later
if the cancer has spread to the margins of the tissue taken.
You may choose to have a mastectomy for other reasons such
as a high risk of recurrence or difficulty in accessing radiation
therapy or even for cosmetic reasons.
Key points
- The surgeon you choose could affect how the result looks.
- It is best to decide if you want a reconstruction and
discuss this with your surgeon before you
have the operation Your surgeon will need to retain some
extra skin and may be able to save your nipple.
- You will normally not need radiation therapy with a mastectomy.
However you may be given radiation therapy in some cases
- You may be able to have a reconstruction at the same time
as the operation. It is a long operation (6 hours). The
surgeon together with the plastic surgeon will tell you
whether this is advisable or not.
- You will stay in hospital between 2 and 7 days
- You will probably have some side effects. Most of these
will only last a few months. Some, such as numbness in the
armpit and along the arm may last longer or be permanent
What will it look like?
Look at photographs taken after the operation. Photographs
show:
Types of Mastectomy
There are three types of mastectomy. The type you choose
will depend on the extent of your cancer, whether you want
a breast and whether you plan to keep the nipple or have one
reconstructed.
Total Mastectomy- involves
removing as much of the breast tissue as possible. The nipple,
the aureola (coloured skin around the nipple) and most of
the skin that was covering the breast is removed.
Skin sparing mastectomy-
removes as much of the breast tissue as possible, plus the
nipple and aureola. Preserves the skin which covered the breast.
This makes it easier to maintain the breast contour during
reconstruction. Until reconstruction is done you will have
folds of skin on the breast.
Subcutaneous mastectomy
(skin/nipple sparing mastectomy)- removes as much breast tissue
as possible, but spares all skin, the nipple (which contains
breast ducts) and the aureola.
Ask the surgeon
- Is a particular type of surgery better for me?
- Where will the cuts be made to remove the breast tissue?
- What will the scars look like?
- Can I see photos of the result of some of your operations?
- If I choose breast reconstruction, when would you advise
me to have this done?
- Who do you recommend should do the reconstruction?
- Are there any costs involved?
- How long would I have to wait before I can have reconstructive
surgery done?
- Is there anyone who has had a mastectomy done that I could
talk to?
- If I'm not having reconstruction done, are there ways
of helping me to look my natural shape after the surgery?
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