Modified Radical Mastectomy

Radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast, underlying chest muscle (including pectoralis major and pectoralis minor), and lymph nodes of the axilla are removed as a treatment for breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy is the most widely used surgical procedure to treat operable breast cancer. This procedure leaves a chest muscle called the pectoralis major intact. Leaving this muscle in place will provide a soft tissue covering over the chest wall and a normal-appearing junction of the shoulder with the front chest wall. This sparing of the pectoralis major muscle will avoid a disfiguring hollow defect below the clavicle.

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Procedure

The goal during this procedure is to minimize any chance of regional recurrence; avoid any loss of function; and maximize options for breast reconstruction. Incisions are made to avoid visibility in a low neckline dress or bathing suit. An incision in the shape of an ellipse is made. Minimum amount of skin and tissue is removed so that remaining healthy tissue can be used for possible reconstruction. Skin flaps are made carefully and as thinly as possible to maximize removal of diseased breast tissues. The skin over a neighboring muscle (pectoralis major fascia) is removed, after which the surgeon focuses in the armpit region. In this region, the surgeon carefully identifies vital anatomical structures such as blood vessels (veins, arteries) and nerves and protects them while removing cancerous tissues. After axillary surgery, breast reconstruction can be performed, if desired by the patient. Most women do not experience excessive pain following a modified radical mastectomy. Numbness may occur in the upper arm as a result of the loss of small nerves where lymph nodes are removed. Some of the numbness may fade over time.

Modified radical mastectomy at Nova Specialty Surgery

Modified radical mastectomy is performed by expert surgeons at the following Nova Specialty Surgery Centers. Click on the location to make an appointment.

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