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Mastectomy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the breast, typically used to treat or reduce the risk of breast cancer.

What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the breast. It's usually done to treat breast cancer by removing the cancer. A mastectomy may be the first treatment option for some types of breast cancer or done after chemotherapy for other types. If you are at a very high risk for breast cancer, sometimes a mastectomy may be done to reduce your risk.

Types of Mastectomies

There are different types of mastectomies. Each differs in the amount of breast tissue and lymph nodes that are removed. Some types of breast surgery remove the breast skin and the nipple. Others may also remove nearby lymph nodes, which are part of your immune system and help protect your body from infection and disease.

Which surgery you have depends on the stage of cancer, the size of the tumor, the size of the breast, and whether the lymph nodes are involved. Types of breast surgery include:

  • Total (simple) mastectomy: The removal of all the breast tissue and nipple of the breast that has cancer. Some lymph nodes under your arm may be removed and checked for cancer.
  • Modified radical mastectomy: The removal of the breast that has cancer, including the nipple, areola (dark-colored skin around the nipple), skin over the breast, most of the lymph nodes under the arm, and often the lining over the chest muscles.
  • Lumpectomy: Breast-sparing surgery. The tumor and some normal breast tissue around it are removed, but not the breast itself. Some lymph nodes under your arm may be removed and checked for cancer. Part of the chest wall lining may also be removed if cancer is near it.

Additional Treatments and Reconstruction

No matter which breast surgery you choose, you may also need other treatments. These could include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.

You may choose to have breast reconstruction to rebuild your breast at the same time as the mastectomy, or it may be done later. Your health care provider may suggest waiting if radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

total or simple mastectomy removes the breast tissue and nipple but typically leaves the chest muscle and skin intact, with only a limited removal of lymph nodes if necessary. A modified radical mastectomy removes the breast, nipple, areola, and a larger number of lymph nodes under the arm, and may include the lining over the chest muscles, but generally spares the chest muscle itself. :: How does a lumpectomy differ from a mastectomy in terms of recovery and follow-up?::A lumpectomy is a breast-conserving surgery that removes only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue, allowing the breast to remain. It is usually followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer returning. Recovery is often faster with less scarring than a mastectomy, but patients must undergo regular imaging surveillance to monitor the remaining breast tissue. :: Is breast reconstruction possible after a mastectomy, and when does it happen?::Yes, breast reconstruction is an option for many patients. It can be performed immediately during the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). The choice depends on factors such as the type of mastectomy, the need for radiation therapy, and personal preference. :: What are the common side effects or complications to watch for after mastectomy surgery?::Common side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the chest or arm. A specific complication is lymphedema, which is swelling in the arm on the side of the surgery due to lymph node removal. Patients should watch for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever, and report any sudden changes in arm size or sensation to their surgical team.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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