A 46-year-old member asked:
could you explain what is a mastectomy prophelactically?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Addagada Rao answered
General Surgery 56 years experience
Avoiding cancer: Our body has power , to repair abnormal cells that lead to formation of cancer cells , in certain genetic mutations such power is gone , pretty much you can predict certain percentage of them will develop cancer.As seen in some families. In brca I ; ii by the age of 70 87% of them will get breast cancer ( 34 % ovarian ca ) in those prophylactic mastectomy is done before cancer develops.
4635 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placik answered
Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
Remove organ early: As stated, there are certain conditions where someone may be predisposed to for ing cancer at a higher rate such as described with the braca gene or prior to its identification when multiple first degree relatives are diagnosed or when there are many locations of atypical cells. In this case the breast is removed prior to the development of cancer though specimens commonly reveal undetected cance.
4635 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
How does a mastectomy fitter work?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Greg Pahnke answered
Surgical Oncology 44 years experience
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.
6128 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
How is a mastectomy performed?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Todd Sisto answered
Breast Surgery 37 years experience
General anaesthesia: Football-shaped incision encompasses nipple, breast tissue dissected off pec muscle, armpit lymph node (sentinal node)sampled, if positive for metastasis, other lymph nodes removed.
6184 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 32-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me what a simple mastectomy is?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Zadeh answered
General Surgery 17 years experience
Breast removal only: In a simple mastectomy the entire breast tissue is removed, however an axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the underarm area) is not performed. Unlike a radical mastectomy (which is rarely performed today), no muscles are removed from beneath the breast.
6360 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are the psych effects of having a mastectomy?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Rudolf Brutoco answered
Child Psychiatry 44 years experience
Tough question: The answer is more complex than can be discussed in this brief space. Suffice to say mastectomy poses a massive challenge to one's psychological balance. The effects depend on the individual, of course, and some women will get to an even better place in terms of mental health. Family love & support, personal strategies for positive mindset, and professional help are all warranted.
5748 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Simple mastectomy difficult?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. George T Tsai answered
General Surgery 27 years experience
No: It is a technically simple procedure with low morbidity. Most patients can and choose to go home the same day of surgery.
5748 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated May 1, 2015
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