 |
Business | Industries | Finance | Tax |
| Index: > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
|
|||||
Science stubs
Mastectomy n. (mas-TEK-toe-mee) surgical removal of a breast. Simple mastectomy, performed for extensive but not necessarily invasive tumours, involves simple removal of the breast; the skin and if possible the nipple may be retained and a prosthesis (see breast implant) may be inserted under the skin to give the appearance of normality. When breast cancer has spread to involve the lymph nodes, radical mastectomy may be performed. This classically involves removal of the breast with the skin and underlying pectoral muscles together with all the lymphatic tissue of the armpit. This treatment may be followed up with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. In modern surgical practice a modified radical mastectomy, preserving the pectoral muscles, is more usual than the classical technique. See also lumpectomy.
During Procedure - IV fluids, anesthesia, intubation (a tube is inserted down the throat so that a ventilator can assist with breathing)
Anesthesia - General
Description of the Procedure - An oval-shaped incision is made in the breast. The breast tissue, including the nipple and areola, are removed by cutting the tissue off of the underlying muscle. Nearby lymph nodes (toward the underarm) may also be removed. A tube may be inserted for fluid drainage, which will be removed in the surgeon's office 1-2 days later. The area is closed with stitches.
After Procedure - Removed tissue is examined by a pathologist. Chemotherapy and/or radiation may be necessary if the cancer has spread.
How Long Will It Take? 1-3 hours
| Politics | Business | Finance |
 |
 |
 |
|