Radical mastectomy: what is it?
Radical mastectomy is an operation that is done to treat breast cancer [1], it is also known as Halstead mastectomy. It is a surgery that involves the removal of:
- the entire breast, including the epidermis, nipple, areola
- the axillary lymph nodes
- the major, minor, and fascia pectoral muscles.
The “gold standard” in breast cancer treatment for many years was radical mastectomy. It is rarely necessary thanks to modern advancements in imaging technology and a wider range of therapy choices.
Studies [2] from the 1970s and 1980s demonstrated that breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy was a viable substitute for a radical mastectomy in cases of early-stage breast cancer. More extensive surgery didn’t increase overall survival, according to other research Trusted Source. Additionally, less aggressive operations are linked to greater cosmetic results and fewer major side effects.
In a 2019 research [3], patients who underwent radiation and breast-conserving surgery fared better than those who underwent a radical mastectomy alone. Typically, your doctor will advise a less invasive mastectomy. The invasion of the chest muscle by a large tumor could be an exception.