Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will go through some form of surgery as part of their treatment. A mastectomy is one of the main options. But what it involves, whether it is the right choice, and what to expect afterward are questions that need to be addressed early.
The breast surgery team at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, guides you through every step of the treatment journey, helping you make informed decisions.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which one or both breasts are partially or completely removed. It is most commonly performed to treat or prevent breast cancer, though it may also be advised in other specific situations.
Modern surgical advancements have greatly improved mastectomy procedures over the years. Depending on the condition and stage of the disease, surgeons may now be able to preserve the breast skin and nipple, helping patients achieve better cosmetic results after surgery.
A breast surgeon or a surgical oncologist may recommend mastectomy in any of the following situations:
A mastectomy is not always the first or only choice. Your surgical team will assess your specific diagnosis, tumour characteristics, and personal preferences before any recommendation is made.
There are different types of mastectomy, each suited to different medical situations. Let’s check them out!
| Type | What It Involves |
| Total (Simple) Mastectomy | Removes the entire breast tissue, including the nipple, but the lymph nodes are generally left in place. |
| Modified Radical Mastectomy | If lymph node involvement has actually been confirmed, surgeons generally opt for this type, which takes the breast along with some of the underarm lymph nodes. |
| Skin-Sparing Mastectomy | It is done when reconstruction is planned. In this, most breast skin is preserved. |
| Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy | It keeps both the skin and the nipple-areola complex intact, though it is only appropriate when the cancer has not reached the nipple region. |
| Bilateral Mastectomy | It removes both breasts, either for treatment or as a preventive measure in high risk individuals. |
| Prophylactic Mastectomy | It is an elective removal done before cancer develops, usually recommended for women with a strong genetic or family history that puts them at high risk. |
Before the procedure, the surgical team carries out a thorough evaluation, which generally involves:
Patients are usually advised to stop certain medications before surgery as directed by the treating doctor, arrange for post-operative support at home, and plan for time off work during recovery.
Recovery from a mastectomy takes time, and the timeline varies from person to person. Here is a general outline of what to expect:
During the first 1 to 3 days, the patient usually stays in the hospital, where pain is managed through medications, surgical drains are monitored, and gentle arm movements are encouraged.
During the first 2 to 4 weeks, proper rest is important so that the wound can heal gradually.
Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, arm and shoulder mobility gradually improves, and physiotherapy or guided exercises may help restore movement and strength.
After this period, followup appointments, pathology review, and any additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy may continue as advised by the healthcare team.
Emotional recovery is important as much as physical healing. We, at the CK Birla Hospital, provide counsellor support along with the medical treatment.
The CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon has a dedicated Breast Centre, which is one of the few specialised units of its kind in the Delhi NCR region. It brings together breast surgeons, oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, and counsellors under one roof.
We offer:
A lumpectomy removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue, leaving most of the breast intact. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. The choice between the two depends on tumour size, location, genetic factors, patient preference and medical appropriateness.
No. Depending on the stage and type of breast cancer, treatment may involve lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. Mastectomy is one part of a broader treatment plan, and not every breast cancer patient requires it.
Generally, mastectomy surgery takes 1.5 to 3 hours. When lymph node removal or breast reconstruction is performed at the same time, the procedure may take longer, sometimes 4 to 6 hours or more. Your surgeon will give a more specific estimate based on your treatment plan.
<p>Most patients feel well enough to resume light daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks. Full recovery, including return to physical activity, generally takes 4 to 8 weeks. If chemotherapy or radiation follows, the broader treatment timeline extends beyond the surgery itself.</p>
