Segmental mastectomies is a medical term used to refer to a type of breast cancer surgery. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, which gives the pronunciation of each individual sound of the word. In segmental, the stress is on the second syllable and it is pronounced as /sɛɡˈmɛntl/. In mastectomies, the stress is again on the second syllable and it is pronounced as /mæsˈtɛktəmiz/. Proper understanding and pronunciation of such medical terms is essential for healthcare professionals.
Segmental mastectomies, also known as partial mastectomies or lumpectomies, refer to a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion or segment of the breast tissue affected by cancer or other abnormalities. This procedure aims to treat localized breast diseases while preserving as much of the healthy breast tissue as possible.
During a segmental mastectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor or affected area along with a surrounding margin of normal tissue, ensuring that there is no residual cancer left behind. This margin is usually examined by a pathologist during the surgical procedure to ensure complete removal and to evaluate the extent of disease.
Segmental mastectomies are often accompanied by a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy, which involves the removal of one or a few sentinel lymph nodes in the armpit to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue.
This breast-conserving surgery is an alternative to total mastectomy, which involves the complete removal of the breast. Segmental mastectomies allow women to keep more of their breast tissue, which can provide better cosmetic outcomes and preserve natural breast shape. In addition, segmental mastectomies are often combined with radiation therapy to further reduce the risk of local recurrence.
Overall, segmental mastectomies are a surgical treatment option for localized breast cancer or other breast abnormalities, aiming to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving the natural appearance of the breast as much as possible.
The word "segmental mastectomies" is composed of two parts: "segmental" and "mastectomies".
1. Segmental: The term "segmental" derives from the Latin word "segmentum", meaning a piece or section. In medical terms, "segmental" refers to a procedure that removes a specific segment or section of an organ or body part.
2. Mastectomies: The word "mastectomies" is derived from the Greek word "mastos", meaning breast, and the suffix "-ectomy", which denotes the surgical removal of a body part. Therefore, "mastectomies" refers to the surgical removal of one or both breasts.