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What is the difference between a modified radical mastectomy and a radical mastectomy?
A simple mastectomy (left) removes the breast tissue, nipple, areola and skin but not all the lymph nodes. A modified radical mastectomy (right) removes the entire breast — including the breast tissue, skin, areola and nipple — and most of the underarm (axillary) lymph nodes.
How long does a modified radical mastectomy take?
In a modified radical mastectomy procedure, your doctor will make an oval incision in your breast. I will go around your nipple-areola complex to remove the nipple, areola, skin, and breast tissue. Your doctor will also remove some axillary lymph nodes in your underarm. This procedure will take about three hours.
What are the complications of a radical mastectomy?
Complications associated with a modified radical mastectomy include issues associated with wound healing, such as hematoma, infection, dehiscence, chronic seroma, and skin necrosis. The risk of skin necrosis often involves the superior flap and the wound edges.
When would you use a radical mastectomy?
Today, radical mastectomy is recommended only when the breast cancer has spread to the chest muscles under the breast. Although common in the past, radical mastectomy is now rarely performed because in most cases, modified radical mastectomy has proven to be just as effective and less disfiguring.
How do you wash your hair after a mastectomy?
Shampooing your hair Simply place the cap on your head, tuck in your hair and massage your scalp, and afterwards dry your hair with a towel – there’s no need for rinsing.
What is the rule for drawing patients that have had a mastectomy?
Therefore, the rule against drawing from the same side of a prior mastectomy remains hard and fast: physician’s permission is required in writing. The physician is in the best position to know the extent of lymph node removal, not the one drawing the blood.