What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgical dissection of affected breast tissue. As a result, Dr Toma may decide to remove one or both breasts. Furthermore, the tissue surrounding the breast(s) may also be removed. For example, the lymph nodes are taken out since these regions are the most accessible routes for breast cancer. Fortunately, a mastectomy is the easiest surgical method to prevent breast cancer from spreading at an alarming rate

This type of surgery is recommended for women with a family history of breast cancer. If you are at risk of breast cancer, you may want to consider a mastectomy or biopsy to reduce the susceptibility of the condition.

What are the primary reasons for a mastectomy?

Dr Toma recommends a mastectomy in the event the tumour grows large enough. However, the tumour can engulf larger areas of the breast, which is why Dr Toma needs to remove the affected breast tissue.

A mastectomy is also advised when you are not eligible for radiation therapy.

How does Dr Toma perform a mastectomy

There exist several types of mastectomies. However, depending on the approach, Dr Toma initiates the following techniques:

• A standard mastectomy makes up eighty per cent of all thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer travels slowly to other regions of the body, including the lymph nodes in the neck. Generally, this form of cancer responds well to treatment.
• A radical mastectomy is the resection of the entire breast, including the areola, nipple, skin, chest muscle lining and lymph nodes beneath the arm.
• Skin-preserving mastectomy involves removing the affected breast tissue, areola and nipple. However, the majority of the skin concealing the breast is left intact.
• Nipple-preserving mastectomy is a surgical procedure to preserve the skin covering the breast. However, the entire breast tissue and milk ducts that run to the areola and nipple are resected. Instead, Dr Toma chooses to preserve the skin covering the areola and nipple.

Fortunately, you can choose to have breast reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. Dr Toma will discuss your surgical options prior to surgery.

Read more about Breast Health and Surgery