What Is a Simple Masectomy?

A simple mastectomy is often called a complete mastectomy. It involves the complete removal of the breast including the areola. This procedure is preserved for breast cancer treatment when no other option is available and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Significance

• A simple mastectomy is chosen in women with breast cancer. It's used as a treatment when no other attempts to reduce tumors or stop metastasis have failed. A simple mastectomy completely removes one or both breasts.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of breast cancer that leads to a total mastectomy is accomplished in a doctor's office. Blood tests, mammograms and x-rays are taken to detect the tumor and evaluate the state of breast cancer before the procedure is recommended.

Procedure

• Patients may have a simple mastectomy in one or both breasts depending on the diagnosis. Some patients have both breasts removed as a preventative measure. Patients are given anesthetics and require only a few days of a post-surgery hospital stay.

Breast Prostheses

• Breast prostheses are used to simulate breasts. They are used to replace the breast tissue, and give the woman the shape of a breast for aesthetic reasons. They are inserted at the same time as the simple mastectomy procedure.

Prevention

• Prevention of breast cancer progression can be done through yearly exams and self-examinations. Women are urged to prevent the need of simple mastectomy by checking breasts for any lumps or unusual growths.