Types of Mastectomy
Depending on the stage of breast cancer and other factors, mastectomies can be divided into the following forms:
– Simple or total mastectomy: This type removes all breast tissue from the affected part.
– Radical mastectomy: The surgeon will remove all breast tissue in the affected part, along with the chest muscle under the breast and lymph nodes underarm
– Modified radical mastectomy: The surgeon will remove all breast tissue and lymph nodes on the armpit of the affected part
If a mastectomy involves breast reconstruction, it may be further divided into two subtypes:
– Nipple-sparing mastectomy: Both the areola and nipple are preserved
– Skin-sparing mastectomy: The breast skin is preserved, but the areola and nipple are removed [2]
