Removing a whole breast

For some women, a mastectomy (removing the breast) is needed. Mastectomy is the most suitable treatment if you have

• A large lump, particularly in a small breast
• A lump in the middle of your breast
• More than one area of cancer in your breast
• Areas of DCIS in the rest of the breast

Different types of mastectomy

• A simple or total mastectomy removes all the breast tissue (including the skin and the nipple)that cover the chest muscles.
• A radical mastectomy also removes the muscles of the chest wall (although this operation is rarely done now)
• The scar from a mastectomy extends across the skin of the chest and into the armpit.

If you are having a mastectomy, your surgeon should discuss with you the options for breast reconstruction at the same time (immediate reconstruction). Breast reconstruction means you have a new breast created. Breast reconstruction can also be done months or years after your original operation (delayed breast reconstruction).

Talk it over with your doctor before your treatment and ask about the different methods. For more information, look at our breast reconstruction section which explains what reconstruction is, who it is for, and some common methods and possible problems.

If your doctors think there is a risk of the cancer coming back in the area of the scar, you may be offered radiotherapy after a mastectomy, in which case it may be suggested that breast reconstruction is best performed as a delayed procedure.