If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have a high risk of developing breast cancer, your physician may recommend a mastectomy. There are several types of mastectomies as well as options for breast reconstruction after the surgery. Here’s what you need to know about mastectomies, including the types, risks, and recovery time.
What Is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgery that removes breast tissue. This procedure is used to treat breast cancer or to lower the risk of developing cancer for people who are at a high risk of the disease. This is an effective treatment for breast cancer as it physically removes the cancer cells from your body. A mastectomy is considered one of the best ways to cure breast cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Some mastectomies remove just some of the breast tissue while others remove one or both breasts entirely. There are a lot of factors that determine the type of mastectomy you need, including the size and location of your cancer, your diagnosis, your breast shape and size, and personal preference.
Types of Mastectomy
There are several types of mastectomies, and they vary based on how much tissue the surgeon removes. These include:
- Partial Mastectomy: Also called a lumpectomy, this surgical procedure removes an individual tumor from the breast and a small amount of surrounding tissue. This is a treatment option in the early stages of breast cancer and is usually followed by radiation therapy.
- Total Mastectomy: Also called a simple mastectomy, this surgery removes all breast tissue and leaves the pectoral muscles beneath. A total mastectomy can be one breast only (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral).
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: This type of mastectomy is similar to a total mastectomy with the addition of removing underarm lymph nodes on the side of the cancer. The lymph nodes are often the first place to which breast cancer spreads.
- Radical Mastectomy: This procedure removes all breast tissue, underarm lymph nodes, and pectoral muscles underneath. This is a rare surgery, but it can be necessary if the cancer has spread to your muscles.
- Skin-Sparing Mastectomy or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: These types of mastectomies remove all breast tissue but leave the skin and/or nipple and areola intact for reconstruction surgery.
- Mastectomy with Breast Reconstruction: Depending on your condition and treatment plan, you may be able to have breast reconstruction surgery at the same time as your mastectomy. You can also have breast reconstruction surgery at a later date.
Mastectomy Complications
All surgeries have certain risks or complications. Complications of a mastectomy may arise within days or weeks of your surgery, or they could develop even later. Early complications from the surgery could include surgical wound infection, hematoma, seroma, or flap necrosis. Delayed complications can include post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), which results from nerve damage that can occur from removing tissue close to the underarm. Symptoms may include tingling, itching, burning, or shooting pain. Another delayed complication could be lymphedema, which can occur if too many lymph nodes are removed and the lymphatic system is damaged.
Recovery and Outlook
The recovery time from a mastectomy is different for everyone. In most cases, the surgical wound should heal in about three weeks. You may feel stiff or sore for up to six weeks, especially in your chest, arm, and shoulder. Mild pain relievers and gentle activity can help. During recovery, you may feel more tired than usual. For the next several months, you may notice a variety of sensations in your chest as your nerves heal. These may include numbness, tenderness, momentary twinges, or phantom sensations.
Though you may feel relieved after your surgery, losing one or both breasts can come with many emotions. Your body and mind will need time to heal. Some programs that may help you along your recovery journey include physical therapy, talk therapy, support groups, or complementary medicine.
Certified Mastectomy Fitter at Lakeland Drug Company
A mastectomy is a life-changing procedure that requires a lot of careful care and recovery. If you have chosen to not have breast reconstruction surgery but also don’t want your appearance to change, you can use mastectomy bras and breast prosthetics to help you look and feel like yourself again. Here at Lakeland Drug Company, we have a certified mastectomy fitter on staff who is passionate about helping women through this difficult time. We can help you find the perfect fit and take care of the billing details for you so you won’t have to stress about a thing. These fittings are by appointment only, so reach out to us today to schedule your appointment.
