Continuing Education Activity

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all breast tissue, with variations tailored to patient needs and oncologic indications. This course reviews common approaches to this procedure, including simple mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy, the latter incorporating axillary lymph node dissection. While radical mastectomy, which removes underlying chest wall muscles, is now largely historical, modern breast surgery emphasizes oncologic safety alongside preservation of anatomy for reconstruction and functional outcomes. This activity outlines breast anatomy, including vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and nerve pathways, which helps to minimize mastectomy complications such as seroma formation, flap necrosis, chronic pain, and infection, as well as its indications, ranging from multifocal malignancy and large tumor-to-breast ratios to prophylactic risk reduction and patient preference.

Additionally, this activity reviews mastectomy types, surgical technique, and postoperative management. Participants will also gain an understanding of mastectomy perioperative care, complications, and patient-centered decision-making. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner's competence in recognizing mastectomy indications, performing various mastectomy techniques, integrating surgical planning and patient counseling, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional management approach to improve patient outcomes.

Objectives:

• Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy to perform an effective mastectomy procedure.
• Compare different mastectomy techniques.
• Identify the indications for mastectomy. 
• Apply interprofessional team strategies to improve care coordination and outcomes in patients undergoing mastectomy.

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Introduction

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all breast tissue. Various types of mastectomy exist based on the indications for surgery. A simple mastectomy, which is the most commonly performed procedure, involves removing all the breast tissue, majority of the overlying skin, and nipple-areolar complex (see Image. Total Simple Mastectomy).[1] Variations of the simple mastectomy include a skin-sparing mastectomy with a significant amount of the skin preserved for reconstruction, and a nipple-sparing mastectomy where the nipple-areolar complex and most of the skin overlying the breast are preserved. A modified radical mastectomy combines a simple mastectomy with an axillary lymph node dissection.

In contrast, a radical mastectomy, which is mostly of historical interest, involves the simultaneous removal of the chest wall muscles.[2] Historically, mastectomy was the procedure of choice for all breast cancers. With our improved understanding of breast cancer biology, advances in chemotherapy and radiation, and the knowledge that breast cancers are systemic diseases, more limited surgical procedures, eg, partial mastectomies or lumpectomies, are now far more commonly performed. Mastectomy remains an essential adjunct to therapy and is still indicated in specific benign and malignant breast lesions. 

Anatomy and Physiology

The adult female breast is located on the anterior superior thoracic wall, from the second rib superiorly to the inframammary fold inferiorly and extending from the sternal border medially to the midaxillary line laterally. Most of the breast tissue overlies the pectoralis major muscle, while the serratus anterior and upper portion of the external oblique muscles comprise the remaining posterior boundary. For anatomical reference, the breast is conventionally divided into 4 quadrants centered on the nipple. The upper outer quadrant contains the highest density of glandular tissue, with some extending into the axilla as the axillary tail of Spence. This axillary extension should be excised along with other breast tissue during mastectomy procedures.

The suspensory (Cooper) ligaments anchor the breast to the anterior chest wall.[3] These connective tissue bands help maintain breast shape and support. The glandular tissue responsible for lactation comprises 15 to 20 lobules. Each lobule drains through lactiferous ducts that converge to empty at the nipple. Additionally, the breast contains variable amounts of fatty and fibrous tissue, influenced by age, reproductive status, genetics, and comorbidities.

The blood supply to the breast is derived from several sources. Medially, the internal mammary artery gives rise to 2 to 4 anterior intercostal perforators that supply the breast as medial mammary branches. Laterally, blood supply arises from the lateral branches of the posterior intercostal arteries and branches of the axillary artery, including the lateral thoracic artery and pectoral branches of the thoracoacromial artery. These vessels wrap around the superior and lateral borders of the pectoralis major to reach the breast tissue.[4]

Venous drainage mirrors the arterial supply, with primary drainage directed toward the axilla. The main venous pathways include perforating branches of the internal thoracic vein, tributaries of the axillary vein, and perforating branches of the posterior intercostal veins. Understanding venous drainage is crucial, as lymphatic channels often parallel the vascular supply, forming a potential route for cancer metastasis through lymphatic and venous channels. Lymphatic drainage of the breast predominantly flows to the axillary nodes approximately 95% of the time. Additional lymphatic drainage pathways include the internal mammary chain, lateral and medial intramammary regions, the interpectoral region, and the subclavicular lymph node basin.[5]

The primary nerves at risk during mastectomy are the medial and lateral pectoral nerves. The medial pectoral nerve originates from the medial cord of the brachial plexus (C8-T1) and, despite its name, runs laterally to innervate the lower half of both the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. The lateral pectoral nerve, arising from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus (C5-C6), runs more medially and supplies the pectoralis major. Injury to either of these nerves can lead to weakness and atrophy of the pectoralis muscles, affecting shoulder strength and chest contour.

Indications

The indications for mastectomy and modified radical mastectomy are nuanced, constantly evolving, and not absolute.[6][7][8] Simple mastectomy is indicated for most patients in whom breast cancer conservation therapy is contraindicated or is a patient preference. The indications for mastectomy include:

• Multifocal or multicentric ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer
• History of prior radiation to the breast or chest wall (relative contraindication)
• Prophylactic mastectomy for breast cancer risk reduction
• Large tumor-to-breast ratio, which precludes breast conservation
• Persistently positive margins despite multiple resections
• Patient preference to avoid radiation
• Palliation in locally advanced breast cancer
• As part of managing gender dysphoria [9]

Nipple-sparing mastectomy may be an appropriate choice in patients with cancers that do not involve the nipple-areola complex. This procedure should be avoided in patients with Paget disease of the nipple, gross involvement of the nipple-areolar complex, inflammatory breast cancer, and certain anatomic features such as severely ptotic breasts.[10][11] Modified radical mastectomy is typically indicated for inflammatory breast cancer.[8]

Equipment

Lighted retractors are helpful in nipple-sparing mastectomies. 

Personnel

Breast cancer care is complex and involves a comprehensive interprofessional care team. Once the appropriate operation is decided, the surgical team includes the primary surgeon, surgical assistants, perioperative staff, anesthesia clinicians, and surgical technologists. If reconstruction is planned, this is typically performed by a plastic surgeon. 

Preparation

Diagnostic imaging and histopathology should be thoroughly reviewed before surgery. Per the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) guidelines, preoperative antibiotics must be administered before incision. General anesthesia is usually used for mastectomy, with regional anesthesia acting as an adjunct. Regional anesthesia reduces postoperative pain and may reduce chronic pain.[12] 

Before the procedure begins, the patient is placed supine with the arms out. If an axillary lymph node dissection is performed, the involved extremity should be prepped and draped to allow the arm to be moved and axillary access.

Technique or Treatment

Several approaches exist for performing a mastectomy. In a modified radical mastectomy, a simple mastectomy is combined with an axillary lymphadenectomy. Please see StatPearls' companion resource, "Axillary Lymphadenectomy," for more information on this procedure.

Incision

In general, the appropriate incision is created and deepened through the epidermis and dermis. Electrocautery through the deeper dermal layers minimizes bleeding. The following incisions may be employed as dictated by the mastectomy approach:

• Simple mastectomy: Typically, an elliptical skin incision that includes the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is performed. The incision is oriented diagonally, with the lateral aspect positioned superiorly near the axilla, facilitating concealment under clothing. The ellipse's width varies depending on breast size, ensuring closure without excessive laxity or tension (see Image. Total Simple Mastectomy). The initial ellipse is often conservative, with final adjustments made post-breast removal.

• Skin-sparing mastectomy: A similar elliptical incision includes the NAC but preserves much of the breast skin, enabling immediate breast reconstruction.[1]

• Nipple-sparing mastectomy: The NAC is preserved. Incisions vary, with the inframammary fold incision being the most common, followed by lateral, vertical radial, and periareolar options.[13]

• Modified radical mastectomy: Uses an incision similar to the simple mastectomy but may extend into the axilla for simultaneous axillary lymphadenectomy (see Image. Modified Radical Mastectomy).

Raising Superior and Inferior Flaps

The skin is elevated straight up with skin hooks or sharp grasping retractors, while counter-tension is applied to the breast tissue. The breast tissue is dissected from the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue to create superior and inferior skin flaps.[14] This plane is typically avascular. Sharp dissection or energy devices can be used. Techniques, eg, tumescence, are sometimes used to aid dissection. Dissection should avoid creating excessively thin flaps to prevent "buttonholing" or overly thick flaps that risk leaving residual breast tissue. The superior flap extends to the second rib and down to the pectoralis major fascia. Laterally, the flap reaches the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi, medially to the lateral sternal border, and inferiorly to the inframammary fold, which generally has less breast tissue.

Dissection of Breast Tissue from the Chest Wall

The breast tissue is elevated from the pectoralis major muscle, typically proceeding from medial to lateral and superior to inferior. Medially, perforating branches of the internal mammary artery should be identified, coagulated, or ligated to avoid retraction into the pectoralis major if transected. The fascia overlying the pectoralis major is included with the specimen. Once removed, the specimen is oriented and marked with sutures. The wound cavity is thoroughly irrigated, and hemostasis is confirmed.

Incision Closure

Closure depends on the mastectomy type. For a simple mastectomy, skin edges are approximated without excessive tension while avoiding laxity. The superior and inferior flaps should lie flush against the chest wall to prevent seroma formation; trimming excess skin and soft tissue may be necessary. Quilting sutures that anchor the flaps to the underlying tissue may be used to reduce dead space and seroma formation. Closed-suction drains are usually placed laterally. Deep dermal layers are closed with interrupted sutures, and the skin is approximated with subcuticular sutures or staples.

For skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy, immediate reconstruction with a temporary implant is typically performed, though details are outside the scope of this activity. In a modified radical mastectomy, the lateral incision may be extended for axillary access, or a separate incision may be created for the axillary lymphadenectomy.[15]

Postoperative Care

Patients are typically observed overnight, although same-day discharge mastectomies are becoming increasingly common.[16] Restricting arm movement on the affected side for 24 to 48 hours and a compressive binder over the operative site reduces edema, seroma formation, and pain. Multimodal analgesia is recommended to minimize opioid use. Antispasmodic agents and muscle relaxants are beneficial for pain control, particularly when tissue expanders are placed. Drains are generally removed when output is less than 30 mL over 24 hours.

Complications

Mastectomies are well-tolerated procedures with low morbidity and mortality. However, several complications are associated with the procedure.

Seroma Formation

A seroma is a fluid accumulation in the dead space created in the wound bed following mastectomy, typically composed of transudate and lymphatic fluid. Nearly all mastectomies result in some degree of seroma formation, though the incidence of clinically significant seromas varies considerably. Research has examined factors influencing seroma formation and interventions to reduce its occurrence. Electrocautery and early arm mobilization are associated with a higher risk of seromas. Measures to mitigate seroma formation include using fibrin sealants, suction drains, compressive bandages, and sutures to obliterate dead space; the evidence supporting these methods remains inconclusive. While most seromas are self-limiting and resorb over time, they can predispose patients to complications, including infection, discomfort, and skin flap necrosis. Larger, symptomatic seromas may necessitate percutaneous drainage.[15][17]

Wound Infection

The reported surgical site infection rates vary widely from 5% to 8%. Most wound infections can be treated with oral antibiotics. Deeper infections and infected seromas or hematomas may require percutaneous or operative drainage. Appropriate preoperative antibiotics and sterile techniques are vital in preventing surgical site infections.[15][18][19]

Bleeding and Hematoma Formation

Immediate postoperative bleeding may occur in up to 5% of patients, with a reported rate of bleeding requiring a return to the operating room of roughly 2%. Most bleeding occurs within 24 hours after surgery. More minor hematomas may be controlled with firm pressure, but ongoing bleeding or larger hematomas require evacuation and hemostasis in the operating room. Often, no active bleeding is identified at the time of reoperation.[15] Meticulous hemostasis during surgery and using energy devices and topical hemostatic agents may help reduce bleeding.

Flap Necrosis

Flap necrosis is unusual following simple radical mastectomies. This complication is most commonly seen in skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomies, where an implant is placed during surgery. Flap necrosis results from ischemia and can often be managed with watchful waiting. Extensive flap necrosis may require an excision of the flap and conversion of less extensive procedures to a simple mastectomy.[15][20] Necrosis of the nipple-areolar complex may be seen with nipple-sparing mastectomy. 

Chronic Pain

Pain persisting for more than 2 months after surgery in the absence of any clear etiology is referred to as persistent postsurgical pain. The pain is often described as similar to neuropathic pain and is more common with more extensive resections. Using regional anesthesia preoperatively may reduce the incidence. Management includes physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medications, eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.[21]

Clinical Significance

Significant advances have been made in the management of breast cancer patients since Halsted first described the radical mastectomy in the late 1800s. A growing trend toward breast conservation has been observed, supported by randomized trials demonstrating no overall survival disadvantage with breast-conserving surgery plus radiotherapy compared with mastectomy, including NSABP B-06, the Milan trials led by Veronesi.[22][23][24][25][26] With the addition of adjuvant therapies, including radiation and systemic treatment with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, rates of mastectomy have declined.

However, mastectomy remains an essential surgical procedure and is still relevant in several clinical scenarios. Additionally, in parts of the world that do not have ready access to radiation therapy and the latest chemotherapy, mastectomy remains the cornerstone of breast cancer management. Furthermore, meta-analyses and large contemporary cohort studies have reported a possible overall survival advantage with breast-conserving surgery plus radiotherapy compared with mastectomy. However, these findings may reflect residual confounding and should be interpreted cautiously.[27][28] 

With the addition of adjuvant therapies, including radiation and systemic treatment with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, rates of mastectomy have declined. However, mastectomy remains an essential surgical procedure and is still relevant in several clinical scenarios. Additionally, in parts of the world that do not have ready access to radiation therapy and the latest chemotherapy, mastectomy remains the cornerstone of breast cancer management.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Managing breast cancer, particularly with procedures such as mastectomy, demands a high level of skill and coordinated strategy among a broad interprofessional healthcare team to ensure patient-centered care and optimal outcomes. Physicians and advanced practitioners are responsible for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning, carefully balancing the risks and benefits of mastectomy with breast-conserving and systemic therapy options. Surgeons and plastic surgeons contribute technical expertise and work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to design comprehensive, individualized surgical and adjuvant treatment plans.

Nurses play a central role in perioperative care, patient education regarding wound care, drain management, and postmastectomy exercises, as well as providing ongoing emotional support. Nurse navigators are particularly critical in guiding patients through complex care pathways, coordinating appointments, facilitating communication across specialties, and helping patients understand treatment decisions. Pharmacists ensure safe and effective pain control, antimicrobial stewardship, and management of complex medication regimens, including chemotherapy and endocrine therapy interactions.

Occupational and physical therapists, including certified lymphedema specialists, assist with postoperative rehabilitation, shoulder mobility, scar management, and lymphedema prevention and treatment, which are essential for functional recovery and long-term quality of life. Nutritionists and dietitians support patients with individualized dietary strategies to optimize healing, manage treatment-related adverse effects, and maintain overall health during and after cancer therapy. Integrative medicine specialists may offer evidence-based complementary approaches such as mindfulness, acupuncture, or exercise programs to address symptom burden, fatigue, and stress. Social workers provide critical support by addressing psychosocial stressors, financial toxicity, transportation challenges, and access to community resources, helping reduce barriers to care. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and survivorship care professionals support patients as they process the emotional and psychological impact of mastectomy, offering coping strategies that promote resilience, recovery, and long-term well-being.

Effective interprofessional communication is essential and is facilitated through regular interprofessional conferences, tumor boards, and shared care planning. This collaborative approach ensures alignment of goals, timely updates, and shared decision-making, creating a cohesive care environment that prioritizes patient safety and addresses both the physical and emotional needs of patients throughout their breast cancer journey.

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Disclosure: Yana Puckett declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Gopal Menon declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Andrea Goethals declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Jessica Rose declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.