Mastectomy

Mastectomy

Mastectomy of right breast

A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. This is called total or simple mastectomy. In a modified radical mastectomy, the breast is removed along with the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles.

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Douglas A. Stewart MD - Medical Oncology
Laura S. Dominici MD - General Surgery, Breast Surgical Oncology