Mastectomy, or surgical removal of the breast, is performed to treat serious breast issues, such as breast cancer. Each year more than 185,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Ninety percent of breast cancer occurrences are detected by the individual herself through breast self-examinations.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the following signs and symptoms often accompany breast cancer:

• a lump of thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• a change in the size or shape of the breast
• nipple discharge or tenderness
• inverted nipple

Below are a few different mastectomy methods:

1. Simple or total mastectomy. This includes removal of the breast tissue, skin and nipple, but rarely includes the removal of lymph nodes. The chest wall is usually left fairly flat following a simple mastectomy. A woman may opt for breast reconstruction or choose to wear a breast prosthesis following this procedure.

2. Modified radical mastectomy. This is the most common form of mastectomy procedures performed. This procedure include removal of the entire breast, nipple, areola and varying amounts of lymph nodes in the under arm region. If no reconstruction is performed, the healed chest wall is typically flat or slightly rippled. This technique can work very well with immediate reconstruction.

3. Radical mastectomy. This was a popular procedure used to treat breast cancer in the 1960s and 1970s. It is no longer performed today. In this mastectomy procedure, the breast tissue, skin, nipple, areola, underlying chest muscles and varying numbers of lymph nodes in the underarm region are removed. Physical therapy is sometimes required to restore shoulder mobility.

4. Partial mastectomy or lumpectomy. This is also known as breast conserving surgery. This involves removing a portion of the breast along with the tumor and varying numbers of lymph nodes. Lumpectomy is discussed in further detail on its own page within this web site.

All forms of mastectomy procedures require general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Patients can expect general soreness following a mastectomy procedure for a minimum of three to four days.

Reconstruction with an implant or augmentation can provide a great benefit to these patients and shorten or eliminate the feelings of loss that some women experience.

Dr. Sumpter is dedicated to treating patients diagnosed with breast cancer and offers patients as many options as possible. She is uniquely qualified to treat patients from both a general surgery and a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery perspective. Regardless of your breast issue, her training, experience and commitment to the treatment of breast disease allow her to counsel and assist you in getting the correct treatment for your individual circumstances.

If you are dealing with breast cancer and are interested in learning more about mastectomy procedures, please call us at 281-894-9990 or email us with your name and phone number so that our office may contact you and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sumpter. A consultation is the best way to have all of your questions and concerns answered and get all the information you need to make your decision. In most cases, health insurance covers issues related to breast cancer. Please consult your individual policy for further information on the coverage it offers.

At Winds of Change, you will receive special, individualized care that you deserve. Dr. Sumpter strives to exceed expectations beyond patient satisfaction. Please let us know how we may help you.

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Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery Specialists
12827 Jones Road
Houston, Texas 77070
Email: info@drsumpter.com
Phone: 281-894-9990
Fax: 281-894-9993