Mastectomy Directory
Mastectomy is surgery to remove one or both breasts. It is most often done to treat breast cancer. In some cases, a woman may choose to have a mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. In this case, it is called a prophylactic or preventative mastectomy. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about mastectomy, when you might need it, how it is done, how to recover, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Mastectomy (Breast Removal Surgery)
Mastectomy is defined as the surgical removal of one or both of the breasts, although sometimes a partial mastectomy is possible. It is a common treatment for breast cancer. Learn more about what to expect, and get tips for recovery.
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Preventive Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
WebMD explains the risks and benefits of preventive mastectomy -- the removal of one or both breasts to avoid developing breast cancer.
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Breast Cancer Treatment
An overview of the treatments for breast cancer and how to know which one is right for you.
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Stage III Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding stage III breast cancer and its treatment options.
Features
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Breast Cancer: Clothes, Bras, Wigs, and Scarves
Get ideas about the types of clothes that are comfy when you’re going through breast cancer treatment, and how to pick bras, wigs, scarves, or other head coverings.
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Breast Cancer Survivor Mary Manasco: Mastectomy After Breast Cancer Recurrence
Breast cancer survivor Mary Manasco, 59, talks about her lumpectomy, double mastectomy, and other breast cancer treatment.
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Breast Cancer Survivor Tammy Joyner: Surprising Gift in Breast Cancer
Breast cancer survivor Tammy Joyner talks about getting her breast cancer diagnosed, having a mastectomy, and starting breast reconstruction.
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Prophylactic Double Mastectomy: FAQ
Preventative double mastectomy (also called prophylactic double mastectomy) is surgery to remove both breasts to try to prevent breast cancer. Who gets a prophylactic mastectomy, why, and what are the risks and benefits? Read about the reasons some women consider this surgery to prevent breast cancer before it starts.