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Mastectomy risks
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.
Context: Mastectomy
Mastectomy risks
As with any surgery, a mastectomy has possible risks:
infection
pain or other discomfort that may or may not get better over time (postmastectomy pain syndrome and phantom breast syndrome)
arm and shoulder pain and stiffness
lymphedema in the arm, especially when many lymph nodes have been removed
Source links and citations
Mastectomy with reconstruction has additional risks. Learn more at Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.
Source links and citations
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice