Subcutaneous mastectomies (sʌbkjʊˈteɪniəs mæsˈtɛktəmiz) are a surgical procedure where breast tissue is removed from under the skin. The word "subcutaneous" is spelled with a "u" after the "s" because it comes from the Latin word "subcutis," which means "beneath the skin." The word "mastectomies" is spelled with a "t" and "ct" because it comes from the Greek word "mastós," which means "breast." The phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation of each syllable and the stress on the word, which falls on the third syllable.
Subcutaneous mastectomies are surgical procedures performed to remove breast tissue from underneath the skin, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer. This type of surgery involves the removal of the entire breast tissue, while minimizing damage to the nipple and areola. The term "subcutaneous" refers to the location of the tissue being removed, which is situated just beneath the skin.
During a subcutaneous mastectomy, an incision is made in the breast, usually along the natural fold underneath the breast or around the areola. The breast tissue is then carefully dissected and removed from underneath the skin, leaving the skin, nipple, and areola intact. This method is different from other mastectomy techniques that involve removing the breast tissue along with the nipple-areola complex.
Subcutaneous mastectomies are often chosen as a treatment option for women who have a high risk for developing breast cancer, for example, those who carry specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. This procedure can help reduce the chances of developing breast cancer in individuals at high risk. Moreover, subcutaneous mastectomies can also be performed as part of a gender-affirming surgery for transgender women who desire a more feminine physical appearance.
After the procedure, breast reconstruction may be done to restore the shape of the breast using various techniques such as implants or tissue flap procedures. However, it is important to note that subcutaneous mastectomies themselves do not involve breast reconstruction, as they primarily focus on the removal of breast tissue.
The word "subcutaneous mastectomies" is composed of two main parts: "subcutaneous" and "mastectomies".
The term "subcutaneous" is derived from the Latin words "sub" (under) and "cutis" (skin), meaning "under the skin". It is commonly used in medicine to describe activities or procedures that take place beneath or within the layers of the skin.
On the other hand, "mastectomies" comes from the Greek word "mastos" (breast) and the suffix "-ektomē" (excision or removal). It refers to the surgical removal or excision of the breast tissue.
Therefore, "subcutaneous mastectomies" refers to surgical procedures that involve the removal of breast tissue from beneath the skin.