The word "mastotomy" is spelled as /mæstɒtəmi/. The first part of the word "mast-" refers to the breast, while "-otomy" refers to a surgical incision. Therefore, mastotomy is a surgical procedure involving the breast tissue. The spelling of this word adheres to the English language's complex phonetic system, where each letter or combination of letters can represent different sounds. Learning IPA (international phonetic alphabet) helps in understanding and pronouncing words correctly, especially in the medical field where precision and accuracy are crucial.
Mastotomy is a medical term referring to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision or opening into the breast. This type of surgical procedure is typically performed to gain access to the breast tissue or to remove any abnormal growth, such as a tumor or cyst, in order to examine it more closely or to treat the condition.
A mastotomy can be performed for diagnostic purposes, to obtain a tissue sample for a biopsy analysis, or to remove a small mass or lesion from the breast. In certain cases, mastotomy may also be performed as part of a mastectomy procedure, which involves the complete removal of the breast tissue, often done as a treatment for breast cancer.
During a mastotomy, the surgeon carefully makes an incision in the breast, usually guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound or mammography, to ensure accurate placement and precision. The incision may be small or larger depending on the nature of the procedure.
Following the mastotomy procedure, the incision is typically sutured closed, and appropriate measures are taken to aid in the healing process and minimize any potential complications, such as infection or bleeding.
Mastotomy is a specialized surgical approach that requires expertise in breast surgery techniques and is often performed by trained surgeons or breast specialists in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting.
Incision of the breast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "mastotomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "mastos" meaning "breast" and "tome" meaning "cutting" or "incision". The term is commonly used in medicine to refer to a surgical procedure involving the incision or cutting of the breast.