simple mastectomy
Definition
- Noun:
- A surgical procedure for the removal of a breast: A "simple mastectomy" is an operation where the entire breast tissue is removed. This procedure leaves the underlying chest muscles (pectoral muscles) and the lymph nodes in the armpit area intact.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The patient opted for a simple mastectomy to treat the early-stage cancer confined to the breast.
- Compared to a radical mastectomy, a simple mastectomy involves less extensive tissue removal and a shorter recovery time.
Advanced Usage
- "Underwent a simple mastectomy": This phrase is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the patient's procedure.
- She underwent a simple mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.
Variants and Related Words
- Total mastectomy: Another term for a simple mastectomy, emphasizing the removal of the entire breast.
- Modified radical mastectomy: A related but more extensive procedure that also involves the removal of lymph nodes.
- Lumpectomy: A less extensive, breast-conserving surgery, contrasted with a mastectomy.
Synonyms
- Total mastectomy: The most direct synonym in medical terminology.
Related Phrases
- Prophylactic mastectomy: A preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts to reduce cancer risk, which can be performed as a simple mastectomy.
- Skin-sparing mastectomy: A variation of the simple mastectomy where much of the breast skin is preserved for reconstruction.
Noun
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removal of a breast leaving the underlying muscles and the lymph nodes intact
