Breast Removal (Mastectomy)
A mastectomy is the name for a major type of breast cancer surgery, in which all of one of both breasts is removed. This includes the entire breast, nipple and generally the surrounding tissues. A double mastectomy is the name for the surgery that involves the removal of both breasts. A radical mastectomy also includes the removal of the nearby lymph nodes and some of the muscles in the chest beneath the breast, says the American Cancer Society. Mastectomy may also be done preventively--that is, a breast may be removed in a woman who is at extremely high risk of developing breast cancer before there are any signs of cancer in that breast.
Partial Mastectomy or Lumpectomy)
There are less invasive, less radical breast cancer surgeries that can still remove the cancer in some cases. In a partial mastectomy, much, but not all, of the breast is removed. In a lumpectomy, only the cancerous tumor, or the lump, in the breast is removed. Generally, some of the tissues surrounding the lump may also be cut out during the surgery, according to the ACS. These surgeries are often followed by radiation or chemotherapy to ensure that all cancer cells are destroyed--but much of the breast can be spared. These are often called breast-conserving or breast-sparing surgeries.
Breast Reconstruction
After a mastectomy is completed, many women may also have breast reconstruction surgery. This is a surgery to rebuild new breasts to replace what was surgically removed due to the cancer. Women can choose between having breast implants, or a procedure called tissue-flap surgery. Tissue-flap surgery involves creating new breasts using skin from elsewhere on your body.
