Mastectomy is one of the main treatment options for some women with breast cancer. The procedure was actually developed more than a century ago. Modern research and technology however, has provided positive variations to the procedure. Here are some important facts that you should know about mastectomy. 

Mastectomy

In the past, there was only one form of mastectomy known as radical mastectomy. The procedure involved fully removing the entire breast and chest muscles including arm pit lymph nodes and some fat tissues. This procedure is rarely ever used these days. Only patients that have cancer cells that have reached the chest muscles may have to undergo this procedure. Recently developed mastectomy methods include: 

• Simple Mastectomy- In this procedure all the breast tissues and skin are removed. The lymph nodes in the arm pit and the chest muscles however are left as they are. 
• Partial Mastectomy- This is considered a form of breast saving procedure. Only a portion of the breast tissue and chest muscle lining are removed with the tumor. 
• Modified Radical Mastectomy- This involves the removal of breast tissues and lymph nodes. The chest muscles however are kept intact. 

When is Mastectomy Used
 
Mastectomy is often the logical treatment choice if a patient has a large imbedded tumor and if wider areas of the breast are affected. In some cases, mastectomy may be used together with radiation therapy. 

Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy is now a popular option for some women who do not really need any kind of mastectomy. The procedure simply involves removing the mass of cancerous tissues and neighboring tissues as well. Depending on your condition, lumpectomy may be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. There is some concern though that lumpectomy in some cases may increase the risk of cancer cell recurrence since not all of the breast tissues are removed. Lumpectomy however, is only really fit for some specific cases. It may not be a good option if a patients’ tumor is large and thoroughly imbedded. Doctors also have other considerations for considering lumpectomy candidates such as receptiveness to radiation therapy. 

Reconstruction with Mastectomy

Not everyone who undergoes mastectomy would want to have their breasts reconstructed. Reconstruction however is now a very real option for women who have had a breast cancer operation. Clearly discuss or ask your doctor about your fitness as a reconstruction candidate even before you have mastectomy. Reconstruction procedures may begin immediately after your mastectomy. 

Current procedures for reconstruction include using implants or tissues from other parts of the body. Some women may even have their nipples and areolas reconstructed too. Reconstruction procedures can help women gain more symmetrical breast shapes and sizes after mastectomy. 

Recovery

Overall recovery time will depend on what kind of mastectomy was preformed on the patient and on her general state of health. Recovery rate will also vary if there was reconstruction done and if a patient is still under some form of therapy. In general, people who have gone through mastectomy may be able to go home after a little over a week. Patients however have to avoid some physical or strenuous activities for a month or more.