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Mastectomy (Breast Cancer Surgery)

Surgical removal of the breast for cancer treatment or risk reduction

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Mastectomy (Breast Cancer Surgery)?

Mastectomy types include: simple (total) mastectomy removing entire breast tissue and nipple-areola complex; modified radical mastectomy (with axillary node dissection); skin-sparing mastectomy; nipple-sparing mastectomy preserving the nipple-areola complex.

Prophylactic (risk-reducing) mastectomy for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers reduces breast cancer risk by 90-95 percent.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia with lateral arm position, typically 2-4 hours.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection is integrated for staging.

Immediate or delayed reconstruction options: implant-based, autologous (DIEP, TRAM), or hybrid.

Hospital stay 1-3 days; longer with reconstruction.

Symptoms

Indications include large or multifocal/multicentric breast cancers not amenable to lumpectomy.
Inflammatory breast cancer requiring mastectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Local recurrence after prior breast-conserving surgery.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) involving large breast portions.
Patient preference even when lumpectomy is feasible.
BRCA1/2 mutations or strong family history warranting risk-reducing surgery.

Risk Factors

BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53 (Li-Fraumeni), CDH1 mutations.
Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Personal history of breast cancer increases contralateral risk.
Prior chest wall radiation in childhood (Hodgkin lymphoma survivors).
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) - marker for elevated risk.
Dense breast tissue limiting surveillance accuracy.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New breast lump or thickening, especially fixed or hard.
  • Skin changes: dimpling, redness, peau d'orange, ulceration.
  • Nipple changes: retraction, discharge (especially bloody), scaling (Paget disease).
  • Axillary lymphadenopathy without explanation.
  • Strong family history or BRCA mutation - genetic counseling indication.
  • Postoperative concerns: hematoma, infection, seroma, lymphedema, reconstruction complications.

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation: medical and radiation oncologist, breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, geneticist.
02
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may downstage tumors and allow breast conservation.
03
Modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection for node-positive disease.
04
Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction for selected cases.
05
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for clinically node-negative axilla.
06
Postoperative adjuvant therapy: chemotherapy, hormone therapy (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors), targeted therapy (trastuzumab for HER2+), radiation.
07
Lymphedema prevention: arm protection education, early physiotherapy.
08
Long-term surveillance with annual mammography (contralateral breast) and MRI for high-risk patients.

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.