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Mastectomy

Photo of chest after mastectomy

A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. This is called total or simple mastectomy. In a modified mastectomy, the breast is removed along with the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Sue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health
Last Revised August 12, 2010

Last Revised: August 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology & Sue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health

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