Mastectomy is a medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts to treat breast cancer. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /mæsˈtɛktəmi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "mas," sounds like "mass," while the second syllable, "tec," sounds like "tech." The final syllable, "tomy," rhymes with "anatomy." The spelling "mastectomy" is derived from the Greek words "mastos," meaning breast, and "ektomē," meaning excision. Overall, correct spelling is essential in medical professions to ensure proper communication and understanding among health care providers.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is a specific type of surgery used to eliminate or reduce the spread of cancerous cells originating in the breast tissue. This procedure is typically performed by a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer treatment.
During a mastectomy, the breast tissue is dissected and completely removed along with the nipple and areola. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed for further evaluation or to prevent the spread of cancer cells. There are different types of mastectomies, including a simple or total mastectomy, which involves the removal of the entire breast, and a modified radical mastectomy, which involves removing the breast tissue along with lymph nodes under the arm.
Mastectomies can have varying physical and emotional impacts on individuals. Some may choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery to restore the appearance of the breasts, while others may opt for prosthetic devices or decide not to pursue any further enhancements.
Overall, mastectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at either treating existing breast cancer or significantly reducing the risk of its recurrence in individuals at high risk. It is an important treatment option in the multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer management.
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The word "mastectomy" originates from Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "mastos", which means "breast", and "ektomē", which means "excision" or "cutting out".