Mastectomy is a specialized surgical procedure designed to remove all breast tissue from a breast. This  surgery is usually performed as a primary treatment for breast cancer or as a preventive measure for high-risk individuals, and the medical name for this procedure remains “Mastectomy.”

About the Breast

The breast is a specialized gland that rests over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall. Its primary biological purpose is to produce milk for lactation, and it consists mainly of lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts, and fatty or connective tissue.

Removal of the breast tissue permanently alters physical appearance and removes the ability to breastfeed on that side, but it is not associated with any impairment of essential bodily functions or overall physical mobility for most people.

What causes breast problems?

Breast problems that require a mastectomy are usually caused by the presence of malignant cells (breast cancer) or a significantly high genetic risk of developing the disease.

It is uncertain exactly why some people develop breast cancer, but risk factors include advancing age, being female, a strong family history of the disease, and inheriting specific genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2). While healthy lifestyle choices can reduce overall risk, there is no known means to completely prevent breast cancer.

These malignant cells can grow and spread, forming tumors that may result in palpable lumps, changes in skin texture (like dimpling), unexpected nipple discharge, or noticeable alterations in the breast’s shape and size.

How are these problems found and treated?

Mammograms and ultrasounds are most commonly used to find breast tumors and abnormalities. In more complex cases, other imaging tests such as a Breast MRI or a tissue biopsy must be used to definitively evaluate and diagnose breast disease.

Breast cancer does not go away on its own. Some earlier-stage cases can be effectively managed by breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) combined with radiation therapy. However, for widespread tumors, multi-centric cancer, or patients with a very high genetic risk, breast-conserving treatments may not be the most effective option. The risk of the disease spreading or returning will continue unless the affected breast tissue is comprehensively removed.

Surgical removal of the breast is the time-honored and safest treatment for extensive breast cancer and for significantly reducing the risk of future disease.