Can you tell me what a simple mastectomy is?

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.

Breast removal only: A simple or total mastectomy involves removal of the entire breast (including the nipple and areola). A modified-radical mastectomy includes removal of some lymph nodes in addition to the simple mastectomy.

AKA Total Mastectomy: A simple or total mastectomy involves removal of the breast along with the nipple-areolar complex (nac). Some cancers may be treated by a nipple (areolar) sparing mastectomy, which involves removal of the breast tissue without the nac.