Types of Mastectomy Procedures | Choosing the Right Surgery for You with Dr. Pooja Agarwal
Being diagnosed with breast cancer or choosing preventive surgery is never easy. One of the most important decisions you’ll face is selecting the right type of mastectomy. Thankfully, advancements in surgical techniques offer patients multiple options tailored to their medical needs and personal preferences.
In this blog, Dr. Pooja Agarwal, a renowned breast cancer surgeon, breaks down the various types of mastectomy procedures, when they are recommended, and how to decide what’s right for you.
🩺 What Is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove breast tissue, performed either as part of breast cancer treatment or as a preventive measure for those at high risk. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the right type of mastectomy depends on several factors including cancer stage, tumor location, and reconstruction goals.
🔍 Types of Mastectomy Procedures Explained by Dr. Pooja Agarwal:
1. Simple (Total) Mastectomy
What It Involves:
Removal of the entire breast including the nipple, areola, and skin, but not the lymph nodes or chest muscles.
Ideal For:
- Early-stage breast cancer
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Preventive mastectomy (prophylactic)
2. Modified Radical Mastectomy
What It Involves:
Removal of the entire breast along with axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.
Ideal For:
- Invasive breast cancer
- When lymph node involvement needs to be assessed
3. Radical Mastectomy (Rarely Performed Today)
What It Involves:
Removal of the entire breast, underarm lymph nodes, and chest wall muscles.
Ideal For:
- Advanced cancers involving the chest wall
- Rarely needed due to newer, less invasive techniques
4. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
What It Involves:
Preserves most of the breast skin while removing breast tissue and nipple. Usually followed by immediate reconstruction.
Ideal For:
- Early-stage breast cancer
- Women opting for immediate breast reconstruction
- Preventive surgery
5. Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
What It Involves:
Preserves the skin, nipple, and areola, removing only the breast tissue underneath.
Ideal For:
- Select early-stage cancers
- Preventive mastectomy in high-risk individuals
- When the tumor is away from the nipple
💡 How to Choose the Right Mastectomy Procedure
Dr. Pooja Agarwal emphasizes that the right choice depends on:
- Cancer type, size, and location
- Personal and family medical history
- Genetic risk (like BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations)
- Plans for breast reconstruction
- Your comfort level and personal preferences
🗣️ “Each woman’s journey is unique. My goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices,” says Dr. Pooja Agarwal.
🤝 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for breast cancer surgery or considering a preventive mastectomy, knowing your options can make a world of difference. With compassionate care and surgical expertise, Dr. Pooja Agarwal helps women take control of their health with confidence.
If you have questions or want to explore your options further, consult Dr. Pooja Agarwal for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.