Your doctor has recommended that you have a total mastectomy.
But what does that actually mean?
Total Mastectomy is the removal of the breast.
In most cases, mastectomy is required in order to remove cancerous tissue from the body.
The extent of tissue removed is determined by the amount of cancer present in your body.
Patient Education A total mastectomy involves the removal the
breast, but not the removal of lymph nodes or chest muscle that lies underneath the breast.
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a total mastectomy because the cancer in your
breast has progressed to the point that it is in danger of spreading into other parts
of your body and the only way to make sure that all of the disease has been eliminated
is to remove the entire breast.
This is major surgery and the procedure will permanently change the outward shape and appearance
of your chest.
So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation.
Your Procedure:
On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown.
You may receive a sedative by mouth and an intravenous line may be put in.
You will then be transferred to the operating table.
The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia
by injection and inhalation mask.
The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin and place a sterile drape
around the operative site.
Two incisions will be made beginning at the middle of the chest, one along the top and
one along the bottom of the breast - coming together just under the arm.
The skin is then lifted up and away, revealing the tissue underneath.
Beginning at the clavicle - or collar bone - the surgeon then begins to carefully cut
the breast tissue away from the muscles that lie just beneath.
When the breast has been completely freed, it is lifted away, exposing the top layer
of muscle, called the pectoralis major.
If the cancer has spread to this muscle, your doctor may elect remove it as well.
When the surgical team is satisfied that they have done all that they can to remove the
cancer, they will release the muscles and other tissue.
One or more drainage tubes will be temporarily inserted at the site while the healing process
begins.
They will then close the incision.
Finally, a sterile bandage is applied.