What Is a Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Surgery? Types, Procedure & Recovery
As a Surgical Oncologist in Pune with 17+ years of experience treating breast cancer patients, Dr. Chirag Bhirud has guided hundreds of women through one of the most important decisions of their treatment journey — whether a mastectomy is the right path forward. In this blog, Dr. Chirag Bhirud breaks down everything you need to know about mastectomy in simple, easy-to-understand language, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
What Is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the breast tissue. It is one of the most common and effective treatments for breast cancer, and in some cases, it’s also used to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk patients.
In short: a mastectomy removes breast tissue to eliminate cancer or significantly lower the chance of it developing.
Depending on the diagnosis, a mastectomy may also involve removing nearby lymph nodes to check whether cancer has spread beyond the breast.
When Is a Mastectomy Recommended?
Dr. Chirag Bhirud typically recommends a mastectomy in the following situations:
- The tumour is large relative to the size of the breast
- Cancer is present in multiple areas of the same breast
- There’s a high genetic risk of breast cancer (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)
- Radiation therapy isn’t a safe or suitable option for the patient
- Cancer has returned after previous breast-conserving surgery
- The patient prefers this option after discussing it with their doctor
Types of Mastectomy:
There are several types of mastectomy, and the right one depends on the stage of cancer, breast anatomy, and whether reconstruction is planned. Here are the main types:
- Simple (Total) Mastectomy — Removes the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, but leaves the chest muscles and lymph nodes untouched. This is the most common type.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) — Removes the entire breast along with the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes), while preserving the chest muscles.
- Radical Mastectomy — The most extensive type, removing the breast, all axillary lymph nodes, and the chest wall muscles. It’s rarely used today due to advances in imaging and treatment.
- Double (Bilateral) Mastectomy — Removal of both breasts, either because cancer is present in both or as a preventive measure for high-risk patients.
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy — Removes the breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola. Suitable for early-stage cancer not located near the nipple.
- Skin-Sparing Mastectomy — Removes the breast tissue but preserves most of the skin, making it easier to perform reconstruction immediately after.
Mastectomy vs Lumpectomy: What's the Difference?
Patients are often confused between these two breast cancer surgery options:
Dr. Chirag Bhirud helps patients understand which option best suits their diagnosis, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
What Happens During a Mastectomy Procedure?
Here’s a simple, step-by-step look at what to expect on the day of surgery:
- Anesthesia — You’ll be given general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure.
- Incision — The surgeon makes an incision based on the type of mastectomy planned.
- Tissue removal — Breast tissue is carefully removed, along with skin or nipple if required.
- Lymph node check — A sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to check for cancer spread.
- Drain placement — Small tubes (drains) may be placed to remove excess fluid after surgery.
- Closing the incision — The surgical site is closed with stitches, and a dressing is applied.
The surgery usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on whether reconstruction is done at the same time.
Mastectomy Recovery: What to Expect?
Mastectomy recovery varies from person to person, but here’s a general timeline:
Tips for a smoother mastectomy after care:
- Avoid heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks
- Do gentle arm exercises as advised by your care team
- Keep the incision area clean and dry
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever
Possible Risks and Side Effects:
While generally safe, a mastectomy — like any major surgery — can carry some risks:
- Temporary soreness, numbness, or tightness in the chest and underarm
- Swelling (lymphedema) if lymph nodes are removed
- Risk of infection at the surgical site (less than 1% with proper care)
- Fatigue during the first few weeks
- Emotional adjustment to changes in body image
Dr. Chirag Bhirud ensures every patient receives clear guidance and support to manage these effects confidently.
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy:
Many patients choose breast reconstruction, either immediately during the mastectomy or at a later stage. Reconstruction options include:
- Implant-based reconstruction — using saline or silicone implants
- Autologous (flap) reconstruction — using the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body
- Delayed reconstruction — performed months or years after the mastectomy, once treatment is complete
The right choice depends on your body type, cancer treatment plan, and personal preference — something Dr. Chirag Bhirud discusses in detail during consultation.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud's Expertise in Breast Cancer Surgery:
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a trusted Surgical Oncologist in Pune with extensive experience in breast cancer diagnosis and surgery, including simple, modified radical, and double mastectomies. His approach combines:
- Personalised treatment planning based on cancer stage and patient goals
- Advanced surgical techniques, including robotic cancer surgery for eligible cases
- A compassionate, patient-first approach that prioritises both survival and quality of life
- Clear communication so patients feel confident and informed at every step
Consult Dr. Chirag Bhirud — Surgical Oncologist in Pune:
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or advised to consider a mastectomy, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers expert, compassionate guidance to help you choose the safest and most effective treatment path.
Book a consultation with Dr. Chirag Bhirud today to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
FAQs About Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Surgery:
According to Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a mastectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of the breast tissue to treat breast cancer or reduce the risk of it developing.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud explains that the main types include simple (total) mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, double mastectomy, nipple-sparing, and skin-sparing mastectomy.
A mastectomy removes the entire breast, while a lumpectomy removes only the tumour and surrounding tissue, usually followed by radiation therapy.
Most patients recover within 3–4 weeks, though recovery can take 6–8 weeks if breast reconstruction is performed at the same time.
Yes, a mastectomy is considered major surgery, typically performed under general anesthesia and taking 1–3 hours, but it is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile.
Yes, many patients opt for immediate breast reconstruction during the same surgery, though it can also be done later, depending on individual treatment plans.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud describes it as a procedure that removes the entire breast along with the underarm lymph nodes, while preserving the chest wall muscles.