Mastectomy

What is mastectomy?

Mastectomy is the removal of the nipple, areola, and all of the breast tissue. The most extensive mastectomy procedure is radical mastectomy, which involves removal of muscles from the chest wall, lymph nodes under the arm, and additional fat and tissue.

When is mastectomy performed?

Mastectomy is one of several treatment approaches for breast cancer.

Physical changes:

Mastectomy results in a change in body image with the removal of the breast and surrounding structures. This can be minimized with procedures that preserve the skin of the breast and allow for immediate reconstruction with implants or fatty tissue. Use of other therapies can result in hair loss, weight loss or gain, changes in the texture of the skin, and changed sensations at the operative site.

Emotional changes:

Breast cancer can cause patients, their partners, or their families to focus on survival. In addition, financial concerns related to extensive treatment and loss of income during treatment contribute to emotional stress. Chronic pain, chronic illness, and cancer therapies can contribute to depression. Surgical alteration of a woman’s body can affect her self-image and can change her accustomed role, impacting her self-esteem and relationships with others.

Effect on sexuality:

In cultures where the breasts are an important symbol of woman’s sexuality, losing a breast can affect how a woman feels about her sexuality and how her partner responds to her sexually. With the stresses of facing cancer and its treatment side effects, it is important for couples to share their feelings and state what they need from each other. If sexual intimacy was enjoyable before the cancer was diagnosed, it will most likely be enjoyable again after surgery.

Adapted from: Johnson, J., and Klein, L., “Enhancing Sexuality and Self-Esteem after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” Oncolink, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, http://oncolink.upenn.edu/disease/breast/support/sex_2.html.

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