Mastectomy

What Is a Total Mastectomy?

A total mastectomy (sometimes called a simple mastectomy) is an operation that removes the breast (tissue, ducts, lobules, fatty tissue and nipple).

Lymph nodes are not removed with this procedure, although a sentinel node biopsy may be done.  A scar across the chest where the breast is removed is present.

Generally, you will stay in the hospital for one to two days.

Updated January 14, 2022

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