Question 1

what is mastectomy like?

Accepted Answer

Unpleasant: Mastectomy is done for tumors of the  breast.  It is not something looked forward to.  The result depends upon the extent of the tumor, adjacent spread and the need for chemotherapy and radiation.  Unless there is reconstruction, it leaves a flat covering of skin where there used to  be protrusion.  Most have simultaneous reconstruction which can be very cosmetically helpful.

Question 2

what happens during a mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Breast removal.: The standard surgical treatment for breast cancer, modified radical mastectomy, involves removal of all breast tissue including the nipple and areola, as well as some of the lymph nodes under the armpit.  Simple or total mast-x is identical except no lymph nodes are removed.  Selected patients may be treated without skin removal (nipple and/or areolar sparing mast-x; sub-q mast-x)

Question 3

what exactly is a mastectomy bra?

Accepted Answer

Individualized item: A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. It can hold a breast prosthesis for cosmetic purposes and can help in recovery after mastectomy surgery.

Question 4

how does mastectomy affect women?

Accepted Answer

Differently: Some seem not to be bothered at all.  These generally include the elderly.  Younger women tend to undergo a grieving process but this can be significantly diminished by pursuing reconstruction.  Reconstruction techniques are so good these days that the reconstructed breast sometimes looks better than the original.  Sensory loss and scars arent usually too troubling.

Question 5

how does a mastectomy fitter work?

Accepted Answer

By selling products: Most  have been trained  on the job by a mentor  some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise  the measure and fit and judge   and tweak  using various manufactor's prosthesis and  bras. You by feel  have the final say  they also act as counselors- as noted -some have been through this themselves. It really pays to find a good fitter from the start.

Question 6

where can i find a mastectomy bra?

Accepted Answer

Specialty store: There are bra specialty store that do fittings. The american cancer society has resources. Nordstrom 's has products as well.  Your oncology team or navigator should be able to provide you with local resources.

Question 7

what exactly is a mastectomy fitter?

Accepted Answer

A helper: I believe that what you are describing is a person who herself may have had mastectomy surgery or someone who is familiar with a breast prostheses that a person can wear after mastectomy.  The fitter would help someone pick the beast fitting bra and prosthesis after a mastectomy.

Question 8

i need to know what is a mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Surgical resection: Of breast.  It has several versions:  subcutaneous (for gynecomastia), partial, simple (or total), modified radical, or, rarely, radical.

Question 9

for how long does a mastectomy take?

Accepted Answer

Two hours on average: The actual length of the operation depends on the type of mastectomy performed and the type of lymph node procedure that is performed at the same time.  Immediate reconstruction (if planned) must also be factored in.  But in general, the mastectomy operation takes about 2 hours with wound closure taking up about 1/4 of the time.

Question 10

is the mastectomy a risky thing to do?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Every surgical procedure comes with inherent risks.
A patient and a physician must weigh the risks and benefits.
Please talk with your physician about the and benefits specific to your case.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Subtotal mastectomy

A member asked:

What is mastectomy like?

A member asked:

What happens during a mastectomy?

A member asked:

What exactly is a mastectomy bra?

A member asked:

How does mastectomy affect women?

A member asked:

How does a mastectomy fitter work?

A member asked:

Where can i find a mastectomy bra?

A member asked:

What exactly is a mastectomy fitter?

A member asked:

I need to know what is a mastectomy?

A member asked:

For how long does a mastectomy take?

A member asked:

Is the mastectomy a risky thing to do?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?