What Is Mastectomy & What are the Types and Symptom?

According to a recent survey, researchers at the breast cancer institute found an increased uptake for double mastectomy recovery measures. It states that the level of mastectomies has doubled in the past year, but still there needs to be more awareness about the breast cancer encouragement process. 

But before that, discover what mastectomy is, what to say to a breast cancer survivor, and what you shouldn’t. Here we have gathered a simple guide on mastectomy and things to be done after double mastectomy recovery. 

What Is Mastectomy?

Mastectomy is a surgery that removes the entire breast that includes breast tissue, nipples, and areola to prevent breast cancer. During this treatment, other tissues located near the breast like lymph nodes were also removed in order to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts. Mastectomy is usually performed on women who are at high risk. 

What Are the Types of Mastectomy?

Mastectomy can be classified into several types like 

• Simple Mastectomy 
• Modified Radical Mastectomy 
• Radical Mastectomy 
• Skin – Sparing Mastectomy 
• Nipple – Sparing Mastectomy 

Risks Associated with Mastectomy 

The following are the risks associated with mastectomy and double mastectomy surgery 

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Swelling (lymphedema) in your arm if you have an axillary node dissection
• Formation of scar tissue at the surgical site
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Numbness, particularly under your arm after lymph node removal
• The formation of blood in the surgical site (hematoma)

How Long to Recover from a Mastectomy?

People may worry about how they may look after Mastectomy surgery. After the surgery, the patient will be taken under observation to watch closely. The recovery after mastectomy will vary depending on the type of procedure and your recovery. Some people will stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days and others for a week or month. As some people undergo radiation and chemotherapy after mastectomy.

Not all women prefer to have breast reconstruction surgery, only some women prefer to have them in order to restore the look they lost and to boost their self-confidence. Other options like breast prosthesis (wearing a breast form) or a special mastectomy bra are also available. Breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or after some time. If you prefer to have a breast reconstruction then you must consult your doctor or plastic surgeon before the surgery.