What is a modified radical mastectomy?

A modified radical mastectomy is a procedure in which the doctor removes your breast, some lymph nodes, and surrounding tissue.

When is it used?

This procedure is done when cancer is found in the breast.

Depending on the type of breast cancer and the extent and/or spread of the breast cancer at the time of discovery, several alternatives may be available. Examples of alternatives are:

• chemotherapy (trying to stop the spread of cancer by using drugs)

• radiation therapy (trying to stop the spread of cancer by using radiation)

• lumpectomy (removing only the tumor)

• simple mastectomy (removing only the breast)

• You may choose not to have treatment and instead have you and your doctor keep track of the cancer, recognizing the risks of your condition.

You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a modified radical mastectomy?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow the instructions provided by the doctor. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You are given a general anesthetic. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from feeling pain.

The doctor makes a cut over the breast and outlines the breast tissue. The doctor separates this tissue from the muscle that lies between the breast and rib cage. Once the doctor has removed the breast and the tissue around it, the skin flaps are sewn in place and a tube is put under them to drain any fluid that may build up. If the breast is rebuilt these skin flaps may be used.

The doctor also removes tissue under the armpit. This tissue contains lymph nodes that may also have cancer. When removing the lymph nodes, the two nerves that provide feeling to the underside of the upper arm are also removed.

What happens after the procedure?

You may stay in the hospital for about 2 to 6 days. It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for the breast area to heal fully.

Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

You may no longer have cancer.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are risks associated with general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• Fluid may gather under the skin flaps and need to be drained.

• There is a chance a lumpy scar, called a keloid, will develop.

• This procedure may not remove all of the cancer cells and further treatment may be necessary.

• The cancer may recur.

• There is a risk of infection and/or bleeding.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.

• The wound is draining and causing uncontrollable pain.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.