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Mastectomy
Source: Mastectomy, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: Not stated in this source · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
NCI patient treatment article for this disease Exact source article; not a clinically reviewed indication or current-standard recommendation.
In a mastectomy, the surgeon removes the whole breast that contains ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or cancer. Your doctor may suggest a mastectomy if:
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you have inflammatory breast cancer
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your breast has more than one tumor
you received radiation therapy to the chest in the past
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the cancer or DCIS is large relative to the size of the breast
you had a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) that did not remove all the cancer cells
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you are at a high risk of a second breast cancer because of a genetic mutation or strong family history
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If you have a mastectomy, you may not need radiation therapy, so your doctor may also suggest a mastectomy if you are not able to have radiation therapy because you are pregnant or can’t commit to daily treatments.
People who have a mastectomy may need chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. Learn more about Breast Cancer Treatment.
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After a mastectomy, you may choose to stay flat, wear a prosthesis (breast-like form) in your bra, or have breast reconstruction surgery.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice