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Mastectomy

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A mastectomy is surgery to remove a whole breast. It is used to treat breast cancer. A total (or simple) mastectomy removes only the breast. Other types of mastectomy may involve removing the breast plus nearby tissues, such as lymph nodes under the arm. This may be needed if cancer has spread to these areas. In some cases, it may be possible to leave most of the skin that was over the breast (skin-sparing mastectomy) or the skin plus the nipple and areola (nipple-sparing mastectomy).

If a person has a very high risk of getting breast cancer, the breasts may be removed before cancer is diagnosed. This is called a prophylactic mastectomy. It can help prevent breast cancer.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.