Partial mastectomies is a medical term used to describe the surgical removal of a part of one breast affected by cancer. The word "partial" is pronounced /ˈpɑrʃəl/ using the phonetic symbols 'p' representing the voiceless bilabial stop, 'a' for the open front unrounded vowel, 'r' for the voiced alveolar approximant, 'ʃ' for the voiceless palato-alveolar fricative, and 'l' for the voiced alveolar lateral approximant. While "mastectomies" is pronounced /mæsˈtɛktəmiz/, using symbols such as 'm' for the voiced bilabial nasal, 'æ' for the near-front unrounded vowel, 's' and 't' for voiceless alveolar sibilants, 'ɛ' for the open
Partial mastectomies, also known as lumpectomies or breast-conserving surgeries, are surgical procedures performed to remove a portion of the breast tissue affected by cancerous tumors while attempting to preserve as much healthy breast tissue as possible. This type of surgery is often considered as an alternative to a full mastectomy, which involves complete removal of the breast.
During a partial mastectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. The goal is to achieve clear margins, meaning that no cancer cells are present in the surrounding tissues to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence. The amount of breast tissue removed depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the individual's specific case.
Partial mastectomies are often combined with other treatments, such as radiation therapy, to further decrease the risk of cancer recurrence in the remaining breast tissue. This procedure is commonly recommended for early-stage breast cancer cases, where the tumor is relatively small and hasn't spread beyond the breast.
One of the main advantages of a partial mastectomy is the preservation of the breast, which can help in maintaining the natural appearance and contour of the breast. In addition, the recovery time and the physical impact of the surgery are generally shorter and less significant compared to a full mastectomy. However, it is important for patients to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential limitations of the procedure with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision based on their unique circumstances.
The word "partial" comes from the Latin "pars", meaning "part". It first appeared in English in the 15th century, derived from the Old French "partiel", which means "partial, part of, incomplete".
"Mastectomy" is derived from the Greek words "mastos", meaning "breast", and "ektomē", meaning "excision" or "removal". The term "mastectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the breast, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Therefore, when combined, "partial mastectomies" refers to surgical procedures in which only a part of the breast is removed, as opposed to a complete or total mastectomy.