Mastectomy (Excision Mammaplasty)

An operation to remove the breast tissue for either cancer, cancer risk or in a patient requiring Gender transformation.

Why have Mastectomy?

• To remove all of the breast tissue following the diagnosis of breast cancer.
  
  
• To reduce the risk of breast cancer in a patient who either has had cancer in the other breast or who has a significantly increased risk of cancer.
  
  
• To achieve a change in body image in a female to male transsexual.
  
  
• To remove the breast tissue in a patient with chronic pain or multiple benign tumours not amenable to conservative treatment.

In the UK, approximately 26 000 women are affected by breast cancer annually, and nearly 10 400 of these women require mastectomy. The need for mastectomy is based on the type of tumour, radiotherapy, and patient preference.

A number of women undergo mastectomy following breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) for factors such as incomplete excision or recurrent disease.

Mastectomy involves removing all of the breast tissue with or without the nipple or skin depending on the individual requirements (Total Mastectomy, Skin Sparing Mastectomy, Subcutaneous Mastectomy). The relief of both physical and psychological symptoms can result in a marked improvement in quality of life.

Remember surgery will not change you or solve any life crises, but should boost your self-confidence and enjoyment of life.

The type of operation required to achieve the best result for you will depend on your need for mastectomy and your size and shape (drooping) and will be discussed at your Consultation.
All patients over the age of 40 years are encouraged to have a mammogram pre-operatively and all tissue removed will undergo histological examination to detect any hidden tumour.

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