Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
During a radical mastectomy, the surgeon removes all of the breast tissue along with the nipple, lymph nodes in the armpit, and chest wall muscles, under the breast. This procedure is rarely performed today, because modified radical mastectomy, a less extensive surgery, has proved to be equally as effective, less disfiguring, and does not carry the risk of secondary angiosarcoma associated with this type of surgery.
You should be asked to give blood before breast cancer surgery, in case a transfusion becomes necessary.
Breast Cancer Survivor Stories
These four women lead very different lives, but they all have one thing in common: They developed breast cancer at a young age. They discovered community within the Young Survival Coalition, a national organization dedicated to providing support to young women with breast cancer -- and raising awareness of the disease in women under 40.
Read the Breast Cancer Survivor Stories article > >
You should thoroughly discuss surgical options with the operating surgeon to achieve the best outcome. Whichever type of surgery is your best option, you will be able to return home after a short stay in the hospital.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Arnold Wax, MD on May 17, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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