mastectomy

noun

mas·​tec·​to·​my ma-ˈstek-tə-mē 

plural mastectomies

: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles

Did you know?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Early cases can often be treated with drugs or with a small operation called a lumpectomy (because it removes a lump). Though a "simple mastectomy" is larger than a lumpectomy, it allows the breast to be reconstructed, using artificial implants or tissue from elsewhere on the body. But "radical mastectomy", which is required when the cancer is at an advanced stage, takes much of the chest muscle and makes reconstruction impossible.

Examples of mastectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Munn underwent a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery last fall. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

Following her single mastectomy in 2016, Doherty underwent breast reconstruction in 2018. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 July 2024

The couple’s low-key nuptials come months after Munn announced in March that she was diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer, which prompted four surgeries in a matter of 10 months, including a double mastectomy. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024

Joseph was diagnosed with breast cancer last month and is preparing for a double mastectomy. —Amber Ferguson, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek mastos breast + English -ectomy

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mastectomy

noun

mas·​tec·​to·​my ma-ˈstek-tə-mē 

plural mastectomies

: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles see modified radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy