The correct spelling of the surgical procedure called "Patey Mastectomy" is often a source of confusion for medical professionals and patients alike. The word "Patey" is pronounced as /pæti/ with the stress on the first syllable, whereas "Mastectomy" is pronounced as /mæˈstɛktəmi/ with the stress on the second syllable. The procedure involves removing the breast tissue, along with the lymph nodes located beneath the arm, and is commonly used to treat breast cancer. It is named after the surgeon who developed it, Sir Eric Patey.
Patey mastectomy refers to a surgical procedure in the field of oncology and breast cancer treatment. Named after the British surgeon Sir Ronald Raven Patey, it is a modified radical mastectomy that involves the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, and underlying breast tissue, along with the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes.
This surgical technique is typically employed for patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or advanced-stage breast cancer, where the tumor has spread beyond the breast tissue. The Patey mastectomy is aimed at achieving a complete removal of cancerous tissues to prevent the further spread of the disease.
During the procedure, an incision is made across the breast to excise the entire breast tissue, including the underlying muscles. Additionally, the surgeon removes the axillary lymph nodes to assess whether the cancer has spread to neighboring lymphatic structures. These lymph nodes are then examined for the presence of cancer cells, helping determine the appropriate course of treatment post-surgery.
The Patey mastectomy is considered slightly less radical than the traditional radical mastectomy, as it spares the pectoral muscles beneath the breast, preserving their function and reducing post-surgical complications. It may be followed by breast reconstruction to restore the patient's aesthetic appearance and improve psychological well-being.
Overall, the Patey mastectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove breast malignancies and reduce the chances of the disease spreading, promoting better patient prognosis and quality of life outcomes.
The term "Patey mastectomy" derives its name from Sir Denis Patey, a British surgeon, who invented and popularized the surgical technique known as the "radical mastectomy" in the mid-20th century. The procedure involved the removal of the breast tissue, underlying muscles, lymph nodes, and associated structures in an effort to treat breast cancer. Patey made significant contributions to the field of surgical oncology and his name became attached to this specific mastectomy technique.