Modified radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure to treat breast cancer in which the entire breast is removed including skin, areola, nipple, and most axillary lymph nodes but the pectoralis major muscle is spared. In this way, the surgeon will remove all the cancerous cells thereby preventing it from spreading and also preserve as much breast tissue as possible.

Most patients with invasive breast cancer who decide to have mastectomies will receive modified radical mastectomies so that the lymph nodes can be examined. Examining the lymph nodes helps to identify whether cancer cells may have spread beyond the breast.

Undergoing modified radical mastectomy can be emotionally challenging for the patients. Dr. Monika, a specialized breast & gynaecological oncosurgeon, will counsel the patient before the surgery regarding the changes in the body that will happen. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits of all potential treatment before coming to a decision.

She will begin by drawing marks around the breast and across the chest. These marks act as guidelines for her when she’ll make incisions.

The surgeon will make an incision on one side of the chest and gently pull the skin back to reveal the breast tissue. She will remove the breast tissue and the axillary lymph nodes that are under the arm. Finally, the surgeon will insert thin tubes to drain any excess fluid from the breast area and then close the incision site.

If the team of doctors undertakes reconstruction immediately, either a tissue expander or permanent implant is placed in the pocket before they close the skin incision. Sometimes a patient’s own tissues are used to build a breast after mastectomy. The removed lymph nodes will be sent for testing to check the signs of cancer.

There could be some complications after modified radical mastectomy like bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, or tenderness near the incision site, swelling in the arm, decreased range of motion and scarring. Patient can usually expect to stay in the hospital for 2 days or fewer after a mastectomy.

If the patient is undergoing breast reconstruction at the same time, they may have to stay longer; anywhere from 2 days for an implant up to a week for reconstruction with the patient’s own tissue.

A rehabilitation specialist will teach the patient some exercises that can be done at home to prevent shoulder stiffness during healing process. Patient should get plenty of rest to avoid fatigue and carefully take care of the incision site as counseled by the surgeon.