mastectomy

noun

mas·​tec·​to·​my ma-ˈstek-tə-mē 

plural mastectomies

: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles

Did you know?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Early cases can often be treated with drugs or with a small operation called a lumpectomy (because it removes a lump). Though a "simple mastectomy" is larger than a lumpectomy, it allows the breast to be reconstructed, using artificial implants or tissue from elsewhere on the body. But "radical mastectomy", which is required when the cancer is at an advanced stage, takes much of the chest muscle and makes reconstruction impossible.

Examples of mastectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Three years ago a cousin had a preventative mastectomy. —Ariana Green, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

Back in March, Munn shared with the world that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and had to undergo several surgeries, including a double mastectomy. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

In 2023, the actress was diagnosed with breast cancer, having several surgeries, including a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. —Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2024

Munn is currently in remission for breast cancer, having shared her diagnosis and double mastectomy in March of this year. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek mastos breast + English -ectomy

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mastectomy

noun

mas·​tec·​to·​my ma-ˈstek-tə-mē 

plural mastectomies

: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles see modified radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy