The term "Extended Radical Mastectomy" refers to a surgical procedure to treat breast cancer. The word "Extended" means that the procedure involves more tissue removal than a standard Radical Mastectomy. The word "Radical" indicates that the surgeon removes the entire breast, including the muscles underneath. The term "Mastectomy" comes from the Latin word "mamma," meaning breast, and "ectomia," meaning removal. The correct phonetic transcription of this term would be /ɪkˈstɛndɪd ˈrædɪkl mæstɛktəmi/. It is crucial to spell technical terms correctly to ensure accurate communication among healthcare providers.
Extended Radical Mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat breast cancer in which the breast tissue, along with underlying muscles and lymph nodes, is removed. It is an extensive surgical intervention that involves the removal of the entire breast, the underlying pectoralis major and minor muscles, and a wide range of axillary (armpit) lymph nodes that might be affected by metastasis. This procedure is only recommended when the cancer has spread extensively throughout the breast tissues and possibly to the lymph nodes.
During an Extended Radical Mastectomy, an incision is made across the affected breast, allowing the surgeon to access and remove the entire breast tissue, as well as the muscles underneath. Along with the breast tissue, the surgeon will also excise the lymph nodes in the armpit region to determine if cancerous cells have spread beyond the primary site. This allows for thorough analysis of the lymph nodes and provides information for further treatment decisions.
Extended Radical Mastectomy is a highly invasive procedure and is typically reserved for cases where other treatments, such as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, are deemed insufficient. With advancements in medical technology and improved understanding of breast cancer, the use of this procedure has decreased over time, as it is now commonly replaced by less extensive surgeries that conserve breast tissue and result in less physical impact on the patient.