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

But in the newest campaign, her photographs capture something never before seen: scars from a double mastectomy. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

After being diagnosed in April 2023 with luminal B breast cancer in both breasts, Munn underwent a double mastectomy at her doctor’s recommendation. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2024

Double mastectomies are sometimes recommended for preventative measures. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 18 Oct. 2024

During the reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, Ferguson had moles removed which were then tested. —Ashley Hume, Fox News, 29 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