A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast tissue.
The breast surgery experts at the Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program commit to providing you with the most effective surgical treatment for your type of breast cancer.
We also work in conjunction with the reconstructive and plastic surgery team to help preserve the look and feel of your breast.
There are several types of mastectomy procedures, including:
Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Lumpectomy (segmental mastectomy, partial mastectomy) |
The surgical removal of the part of the breast with a cancerous tumor (also known as lumpectomy or segmental mastectomy). Sometimes, the surgeon will also remove lymph nodes in the armpit. This procedure leaves the nipple and areola (the dark circle of skin around the nipple) intact. |
Total mastectomy |
The surgical removal of the breast. |
Skin-sparing mastectomy |
The surgical removal of the breast tissue. |
Nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy |
The surgical removal of breast tissue through an incision. |
Modified radical mastectomy |
The surgical removal of:
This procedure leaves the chest muscles in place. |
Radical mastectomy |
The surgical removal of the:
|
Women or men who:
The procedure will last approximately one to three hours.
Your breast surgeon will: