Mastectomy

/mæˈstɛktəmi/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely, typically performed as a treatment for breast cancer.

After her diagnosis, the doctor recommended a mastectomy to remove the affected breast.

A surgical operation performed to treat breast cancer or other conditions affecting the breast tissue.

The type of mastectomy she underwent was a skin-sparing mastectomy to help preserve as much skin as possible.

A procedure that can be either unilateral (one breast) or bilateral (both breasts), depending on the patient's condition.

She chose to have a bilateral mastectomy after genetic testing revealed a high risk for breast cancer.

A significant step in the treatment process for many women diagnosed with breast cancer, often accompanied by reconstruction options.

The mastectomy was emotionally challenging for her, but she felt empowered by her decision to take charge of her health.

From French 'mastectomie', from 'mamma' meaning breast and 'ectomie' meaning excision.

radical mastectomy

An extensive procedure involving removal of breast tissue and surrounding structures.

lumpectomy

A less extensive procedure that involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.

bilateral mastectomy

Surgical procedure involving the removal of both breasts.

lumpectomy

A surgical operation to remove a tumor from the breast.

reconstruction

Surgical procedure to restore the shape of the breast after a mastectomy.

oncology

The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.