{"id":695,"date":"2026-08-20T17:06:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/glossar\/mastektomie\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T17:26:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:26:08","slug":"mastectomy","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/glossar\/mastektomie\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastectomy (breast removal) for breast cancer: a comprehensive surgical procedure"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#definition-der-mastektomie\">Definition of a mastectomy<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#indikationen-wann-ist-die-brustamputation-notwendig\">Indications: When is a mastectomy necessary?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#arten-der-mastektomie-vor-und-nachteile-der-operationsmethoden\">Types of mastectomy: advantages and disadvantages of the surgical methods<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"definition-der-mastektomie\">Definition of a mastectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One <strong>Mastectomy<\/strong>, often referred to as <strong>Mastectomy<\/strong> or medical <strong>Mastectomy<\/strong> is a surgical procedure in which the entire breast \u2013 or, more precisely, the mammary gland tissue of the female or male breast \u2013 is removed. This operation is a key treatment for breast cancer (mammary carcinoma), particularly in cases of malignant breast tumours, but may also be performed as a preventative (prophylactic) measure in cases of very high genetic risk of breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast; more specifically, the removal of all mammary gland tissue, including, where appropriate, the nipple, areola and part of the skin, as well as the underlying fatty tissue and the fascia of the pectoral muscle. The aim is the complete removal of tumour tissue or the prevention of breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike breast-conserving therapy (BCT) or breast-conserving surgery, in which only the tumour and an adjacent safety margin (i.e. only parts of the breast) are removed, a mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indikationen-wann-ist-die-brustamputation-notwendig\">Indications: When is a mastectomy necessary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mastectomy is medically necessary for various types of breast cancer or may be advisable as a preventive measure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Treatment of breast cancer (mammary carcinoma):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the tumour is very large in relation to the breast, or if the breast is affected in several places.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy is not possible or is not desired by the patient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of certain aggressive types of tumour or inflammatory breast cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In women with a very high genetic risk of breast cancer (e.g. BRCA gene mutations), a bilateral mastectomy may also be considered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Significantly reduces the risk of a relapse or the risk of developing the condition for the first time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arten-der-mastektomie-vor-und-nachteile-der-operationsmethoden\">Types of mastectomy: advantages and disadvantages of the surgical methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are various mastectomy techniques, the choice of which depends on the individual situation. Each method has its own specific advantages and disadvantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Simple mastectomy:<\/strong> Removal of the breast gland, skin, nipple and areola. The chest muscle beneath the gland is preserved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modified radical mastectomy:<\/strong> In addition to a simple mastectomy, lymph nodes in the armpits are also removed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skin-sparing mastectomy:<\/strong> Most of the skin flap is preserved to allow for possible immediate breast reconstruction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM):<\/strong> A type of skin-sparing surgery in which the nipple and areola are preserved, provided they are not affected by the tumour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subcutaneous mastectomy:<\/strong> Similar to the skin-sparing technique, although a small amount of glandular tissue may remain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A partial mastectomy is a term that is used less frequently and is more closely equivalent to a lumpectomy (a breast-conserving procedure).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ablauf-der-mastektomie-operation-und-entfernung-von-lymphknoten\">Procedure for a mastectomy and lymph node removal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mastectomy is performed under general anaesthetic. The surgeon removes the breast tissue and, where necessary, the associated lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is often carried out to determine whether the lymph nodes are affected. The aim of the operation is to remove the tumour tissue completely without causing unnecessary trauma to the chest wall. Immediate breast reconstruction can be carried out straight afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"brustrekonstruktion-der-wiederaufbau-der-brust\">Breast reconstruction: The process of rebuilding the breast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many women, breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is an important step towards restoring their body image and alleviating the feeling of having lost a breast. Breast reconstruction can be carried out using various plastic surgery techniques:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>With breast implants:<\/strong> The use of silicone or saline breast implants to create a new breast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using the patient\u2019s own tissue:<\/strong> The use of tissue from other parts of the body (abdomen, back, buttocks) for a biologically-based breast reconstruction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Combined methods:<\/strong> A reconstructed breast can also be created using a combination of both methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision for or against breast reconstruction and the choice of method are highly personal. Alternatively, external breast prostheses can be worn in a bra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiken-komplikationen-und-mogliche-nachteile-der-operation\">Risks, complications and potential disadvantages of the operation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every operation carries risks. The possible disadvantages and complications of a mastectomy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Post-operative bleeding, infections, impaired wound healing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seroma formation (accumulation of fluid).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain, numbness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lymphoedema of the arm (particularly following lymph node removal).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced shoulder mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The experience can be very distressing psychologically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"heilung-und-nachsorge-bei-brustkrebs-nach-der-brustamputation\">Recovery and aftercare following a mastectomy for breast cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-mastectomy care for breast cancer is comprehensive. It includes wound checks, physiotherapy and, where necessary, further oncological treatments. Wearing a special bra can provide support. The German Cancer Society offers a wealth of information on this subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufige-fragen-faq-zur-mastektomie-vs-brusterhaltende-operation\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is the main difference between a mastectomy and breast-conserving treatment?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed; in breast-conserving surgery (BCS), only the tumour and a safety margin \u2013 that is, parts of the breast \u2013 are removed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Is breast reconstruction always possible following a mastectomy?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, yes, but the individual circumstances and the type of breast reconstruction (e.g. using breast implants or the patient\u2019s own tissue) must be assessed by a doctor. Immediate breast reconstruction is often possible as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How should the advantages and disadvantages of a mastectomy be weighed up against those of breast-conserving treatment?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a highly personal decision that depends on the type of breast cancer, the size of the tumour, the size of the breast and the patient\u2019s wishes. A mastectomy often carries a lower risk of local recurrence, whilst breast-conserving treatment preserves the breast but usually requires radiotherapy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A mastectomy (breast removal) is the surgical removal of all breast tissue \u2013 primarily as a treatment for breast cancer, and in rare cases as a preventative measure.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-695","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}