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Types of Mastectomy Available Near You in NJ, CT, MA, MD, and the Washington, D.C., Area
The medical oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) provide comprehensive care to breast cancer patients throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. When a patient requires mastectomy, RCCA’s medical oncologists work closely with the patient and her surgeon before and following the procedure to provide the medical therapies and ongoing monitoring needed to help the patient achieve the best possible outcomes. Learn more about the different types of mastectomies used to treat breast cancer below.
What Is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is the primary surgical treatment for breast cancer. The procedure typically involves removing the entire breast, including the skin, muscle, fatty tissue, glands, and sometimes the lymph nodes. There are several situations in which mastectomy may be recommended, such as when a patient:
- cannot be treated with breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy because of the extent of her cancer.
- chooses mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery for personal reasons.
- is at very high risk of developing breast cancer a second time due to genetic mutations or other factors.
There are several types of mastectomy procedures, some of which remove less tissue than others. These different approaches enable surgeons to select the procedure that is most appropriate for a patient’s specific situation.
Types of Mastectomies
Mastectomies are differentiated by how the procedure is performed and how much tissue is removed. They include:
Simple Mastectomy
A simple mastectomy is also known as a total mastectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the entire breast, including:
- All the breast tissue
- The nipple and areola
- The covering of the chest muscle
- The skin
The surgeon may also remove one to three lymph nodes from under the armpit. The removed lymph nodes will be tested to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
This procedure is a more-extensive form of mastectomy. It involves removing the entire breast, including:
- All the breast tissue
- The nipple and areola
- The covering of the chest muscle
- The skin
- Between 10 and 40 lymph nodes from the armpit area
By removing a larger number of nodes than a simple mastectomy, the surgeon can assess the cancer’s potential spread more accurately.
Radical Mastectomy
This extensive procedure is not often performed in modern-day breast cancer treatment. It involves removing the entire breast, including:
- All the breast tissue
- The nipple and areola
- The covering of the chest muscle
- The chest (pectoral) muscle
- All underarm lymph nodes
- The skin
This procedure was once common. Studies have shown, however, that less-extensive surgeries are just as effective in most cases while causing fewer side effects. Accordingly, doctors prioritize the less-extensive surgeries in most situations. A full radical mastectomy generally is recommended only if the tumor has grown into the pectoral muscles.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
If the breast cancer tumor is small, a skin-sparing mastectomy may be possible. This type of mastectomy is performed to preserve the breast skin, allowing for immediate breast reconstruction. It removes:
- All the breast tissue
- The nipple and areola
- The covering of the chest muscle
Breast reconstruction follows immediately after the mastectomy. This creates less scar tissue and a reconstructed breast that appears more natural. As a result, most patients prefer a skin-sparing mastectomy. However, this procedure is possible only for patients with smaller tumors. If the tumor is large or close to the skin, a simple or modified radical mastectomy is typically recommended.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
If there is no cancer present in the nipple and areola, a nipple-sparing mastectomy may be possible. This type of mastectomy preserves most of the skin, the nipple, and the areola, allowing for immediate breast reconstruction. The surgeon removes:
- All the breast tissue and milk ducts
- The covering of the chest muscle
Breast reconstruction usually follows immediately after the mastectomy. This is the preferred option for patients with very small, early-stage tumors because it results in the fewest scars. If there is any sign of cancer in the nipple and areola, however, they must be removed. If any cancer cells are missed and not removed, the cancer may recur or spread.
Partial Mastectomy
Also called a lumpectomy, this procedure removes the least amount of breast tissue. The surgeon removes only the part of the breast that contains cancer, in addition to a small circular area around it, to prevent recurring tumors. The rest of the breast tissue is preserved. This procedure is possible in early-stage cancers when the tumor is small and has not spread. When possible, it is often the preferred approach by doctors and patients alike.
Double Mastectomy
A double mastectomy is a mastectomy performed on both breasts simultaneously. It can involve any other type of mastectomy. While it may be performed to remove tumors in both breasts, it is most often a preventative measure. Removing the other breast will drastically reduce the risk of breast cancer recurring after treatment.
Find Expert Breast Cancer Treatment Near You in NJ, CT, MD, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Regional Cancer Care Associates prides itself on providing comprehensive, personalized care to patients with cancer or blood disorders. Its cutting-edge treatments are available at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area so patients can receive treatment close to home. Contact us to learn more or to request an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mastectomy
What is a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove one or both breasts. It is usually done to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Why might someone need a mastectomy?
Mastectomy is a preferred treatment for breast cancer, especially in cases where the cancer is extensive. It may also be performed as a preventative measure for high-risk patients. Radiation therapy, medical therapy (e.g., hormonal therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy), or both, may be administered after or, in some cases, before mastectomy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to eradicate all cancer cells and prevent their spread or recurrence. RCCA’s medical oncologists work closely with surgeons and radiation oncologists to provide breast cancer patients with highly individualized care.
How is a mastectomy performed?
During a mastectomy, the surgeon makes an incision around the breast and removes breast tissue, potentially including the nipple, areola, and surrounding lymph nodes. The extent of the tissue removed depends on the extent of cancer and type of mastectomy.
What is the recovery time for a mastectomy?
The expected recovery time for mastectomy depends on the patient’s overall health, the type of mastectomy performed, and whether further treatment is required. In general, however, patients can return to normal life within four to six weeks.
Can I have breast reconstruction after mastectomy?
Yes, breasts can be reconstructed after mastectomy. Reconstruction can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or later, depending on the patient’s preference and the type of mastectomy performed.
Will I need additional treatment after mastectomy?
In some cases, mastectomy is effective at removing all cancer by itself. Depending on whether and how far the cancer has spread, however, additional treatment may be required. Radiation therapy may be used to destroy cancer cells that remain in the breast. Systemic therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy may be used to kill cancer cells elsewhere in the body.
Making the Decision
The prospect of mastectomy can be both frightening and heartbreaking, but you won’t be in this fight alone. Our team of experts at Regional Cancer Care Associates will work closely with you, your surgeon, and any other members of the care team, such as a radiation oncologist, to provide you with the comprehensive care and ongoing support you need and deserve during your breast cancer journey. For more information, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates today.
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