Mastectomy

Mastectomy is surgical removal of the breast. It is one of the main treatments for breast cancer, and is sometimes recommended preventively in women at very high inherited risk. Modern surgery, reconstruction, and supportive care mean the experience for most women today is very different from a generation ago.

When a mastectomy is recommended

• Cancer — larger tumours, multiple tumours in one breast, tumours involving skin or nipple extensively, after failure or contraindication of breast-conserving surgery, some inflammatory breast cancers.
• Preventive (risk-reducing) — in women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations or very strong family history, after careful counselling.
• Patient choice — some women prefer mastectomy to lumpectomy + radiation even when both are options.

Types

• Total (simple) mastectomy — breast tissue removed; skin and often nipple preserved in modern techniques where oncologically safe.
• Modified radical mastectomy — breast + some axillary lymph nodes.
• Skin-sparing / nipple-sparing mastectomy — more skin envelope preserved; better for reconstruction.
• Double mastectomy — both breasts; for cancer involving both sides or preventive.

Reconstruction

• Immediate (at the same operation) or delayed (months later).
• Implant-based — silicone or saline.
• Flap-based — using the woman's own tissue (tummy, back, thigh); more natural feel; longer surgery.
• Not every woman wants reconstruction — an external prosthesis is a straightforward, effective option.
• Available at cancer centres across India; insurance and government schemes often cover cancer-related reconstruction.

After surgery

• Hospital stay: 2-5 days.
• Recovery: 4-6 weeks for basic activities; longer for reconstruction.
• Expected: numbness over the chest wall; tightness; drainage tubes briefly.
• Physical therapy to regain arm movement.
• Watch for lymphoedema of the arm — skin care, compression if needed (see Lymphoedema page).
• Emotional support — body-image, intimacy, and identity shifts are real; support groups and counselling help.

Alongside surgery — the rest of the cancer plan

Breast cancer treatment is team-based: surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, nurses, physiotherapy, psycho-oncology. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, radiation — which you need depends on the tumour's characteristics, not just its size. Early-stage breast cancer is largely curable with modern treatment. Don't delay evaluation of any new lump.