Mastectomy Summary A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast or part of a breast. It is usually done to treat breast cancer. Types of breast surgery include Total (simple) mastectomy – removal of breast tissue and nipple Modified radical mastectomy – removal of the breast, most of the lymph nodes under the arm, and often the lining over the chest muscles Lumpectomy – surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it Which surgery you have depends on the stage of cancer, size of the tumor, size of the breast, and whether the lymph nodes are involved. Many women have breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy. Sometimes mastectomy is done to prevent breast cancer. Only high-risk patients have this type of surgery. NIH: National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Related Issues Adjuvant Medical Therapy for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer UpToDate Breast Cancer: Treatment Options American Society of Clinical Oncology Choosing a Breast Prosthesis American Society of Clinical Oncology Lymphedema: What Every Woman with Breast Cancer Should Know American Cancer Society Talking with the Doctor about Breast Surgery Options American Society of Clinical Oncology Find an Expert American Cancer Society American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Start Here Breast Cancer Surgery Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mastectomy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Mastectomy — The Surgical Procedure Susan G. Komen for the Cure Surgery Choices for Women with DCIS or Breast Cancer National Cancer Institute Surgery for Breast Cancer American Cancer Society Surgical Procedures for Breast Cancer – Mastectomy and Breast Conserving Therapy (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Array Breast lump removal Breast lump removal – slideshow Mastectomy Mastectomy – discharge Mastectomy – slideshow Videos and Tutorials Breast Reconstruction: Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator OR-Live Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Mastectomy National Institutes of Health Specifics Deciding between Mastectomy and Lumpectomy Susan G. Komen for the Cure Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer National Cancer Institute Encyclopedia Mastectomy and breast reconstruction – what to ask your doctor Journal Articles Mastectomy Men Surgery for Breast Cancer in Men American Cancer Society Latest News Celebrity Cases May Help Spur Rise in Double Mastectomies HealthDay Nipple-Preserving Mastectomies Appear Safe for High-Risk Women HealthDay Preventive Mastectomies Triple Among U.S. Women with Cancer in One Breast HealthDay