Unvarnished-Mastectomies

First, let’s identify the options women have today once they hear the big C word…CANCER.

A: Radical mastectomy
A radical mastectomy was the surgery for women with breast cancer in days gone by. This required the removal of the breast, pectoral muscle, all lymph nodes under the arm and sometimes other fat and tissue. While this surgery used to be for everyone, today this surgery is reserved for women with more advanced breast cancer. This surgery may be done in conjunction with chemo or hormone therapy to shrink the tumor prior to surgery. One positive about this surgery is that you will be able to see your ribs for the first time since you hit puberty.

B: Modified Radical mastectomy
This surgery removes the breast and some of the lymph nodes while leaving the chest muscle intact. Doctors like to use this procedure to allow the patient the opportunity of breast reconstruction later.

C: Simple mastectomy
Remove the breast, leave the muscle and lymph nodes. Another surgery to give the patient the opportunity for breast reconstruction later.

D: Skin sparing mastectomy
Save the skin, by using a small incision around the areola to remove the tissue. This reminds me of scooping the goody out of a pumpkin. This surgery leaves an opportunity for breast reconstruction, too.

E: Subcutaneous mastectomy
Leave everything but the breast tissue. The skin, muscle, lymph nodes and nipple remain. Opportunity for breast reconstruction. Sounds simple, at least, doctors make it seem so.

F: Lumpectomy
Remove the mass, may be followed by radiation.