Benefits and risks of a radical mastectomy
An advantage of a radical mastectomy may be the removal of a malignant tumor.
Surgery has risks, including:
- reaction to anesthetic
- hemorrhage
- clotting
- infection
When compared to other forms of mastectomy, radical mastectomy tends to cause more:
- pain
- Arm mobility problems
- cosmetic problems
The likelihood of developing lymphedema [4], a problem with your lymphatic system, increases if all of your axillary lymph nodes are removed. This system, which is a component of your immune system, aids in the removal of waste products, immune cells, and toxins from your body via lymphatic nodes and vessels.