What Are the Different Types of Mastectomies?

— -- Question: What are the different types of mastectomies?

Answer: Broadly speaking, we utilize two types of mastectomy to treat breast cancer. Partial mastectomy involves removal of a small portion of the breast tissue, leaving the remaining breast tissue intact. Total mastectomy are divided into several categories: A 'modified radical' mastectomy involves removal of all breast tissue and the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side; a 'skin-sparing' mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue and preserves as much skin as possible so that a plastic surgeon can perform an immediate reconstruction, usually at the same operation; (and) finally, a simple mastectomy involves removal of all the breast tissue and most of the skin.

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