It is also done for preventive measures when women are at a high risk of getting breast cancer.

Different Types of Mastectomy

Mastectomy can be of three types:

1. Radical Mastectomy
   Radical mastectomy includes the removal of the whole breast; i.e.: the skin, minor and major chest muscles and auxiliary lymph nodes (filters that drain egressing fluids and cells from breast).
   
2. Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM)
   MRM includes the removal of the whole breast covered with skin and auxiliary lymph nodes (filters that drain egressing fluids and cells from breast). Here, the chest muscles are left out. It is standard treatment for stage I, II and III of breast cancer.
   
3. Partial Mastectomy
   Partial mastectomy, commonly called Breast Conservation Treatment (BCT) removes only the primary tumour with auxiliary lymph nodes.

BCT is usually advised to patients in stages I and II of breast cancer.

Preparing for Procedure

If your doctor has recommended a mastectomy, ensure that you clear any doubts you may have about the procedure. Ask you doctor about special counselling cells that help women understand and deal with a mastectomy.

Another option is to meet someone who has gone through the procedure. This will prepare you for the changes you will go through after surgery.

After the Procedure

After a mastectomy, you will experience a loss of sensation over the chest wall, arm pit and inner arm. This happens as some of the nerves are cut during the procedure.

In time it will become hyper sensitive but will gradually return settle to near normal sensation.