Mastoidectomy

Indications for Mastoidectomy

Breast Cancer: The primary reason for a mastectomy is to remove cancerous tumors in the breast, especially when they are large, aggressive, or when there are multiple tumors.

Prevention: For individuals with a high risk of breast cancer due to genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a strong family history, a mastectomy may be performed as a preventive measure.

Non-Cancerous Conditions: Sometimes, mastectomy is indicated for severe, recurrent infections or benign conditions that do not respond to other treatments.

Types of Mastectomy

Total (Simple) Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, but usually sparing the lymph nodes.

Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast along with some or all of the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.

Radical Mastectomy: An extensive procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast, axillary lymph nodes, and the chest wall muscles under the breast. This approach is less common today and usually reserved for very advanced cases.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue while preserving most of the skin, which may be used for breast reconstruction.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola, often combined with immediate breast reconstruction.



A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both breasts, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer. Depending on the specific condition and surgical plan, different types of mastectomy may be performed, including total (simple) mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and in some cases, more extensive procedures like radical mastectomy. The surgery is generally carried out under general anesthesia and may last from 1 to 3 hours. Postoperative care involves managing pain with medications, caring for the surgical site, and adhering to activity restrictions to ensure proper healing. Risks include infection, bleeding, and lymphedema, a condition of swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup. Many patients choose to undergo breast reconstruction, either immediately or at a later date, to restore the appearance of the breast. While the recovery process can be emotionally and physically challenging, mastectomy can significantly reduce cancer risk and improve long-term outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.