What is the definition or description of: radical mastectomy?

Radical mastectomy: Radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast, underlying chest muscle (including pectoralis major and pectoralis minor), and lymph nodes of the axilla are removed as a treatment for breast cancer.

Not often done: A radical mastectomy is a breast surgery that is rarely done today. It includes removal of the nipple, a paddle of skin around the nipple, all visible breast tissue, the pectoral is chest muscles (pecs), and axillary/underarm lymph nodes. When a mastectomy needs to be done these days, a modified radical mastectomy is done, which spares the pectoralis muscles.