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

While Perkies can be used by anyone, the brand began to aid women who have lost their nipples due to breast cancer and mastectomies. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025

In June, Jessie (born Jessica Cornish) shared that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy later that month. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Lacerna Kimbrell performed mastectomies and breast reconstruction with silicone implants and a breast sling. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025

The actress spoke with guest Tig Notaro on the show, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2016 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek mastos breast + English -ectomy

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mastectomy

• colectomy
• cystectomy
• gastrectomy
• lobectomy
• nephrectomy
• splenectomy
• thymectomy
• vasectomy
• vitrectomy
• adrenalectomy
• cholecystectomy
• endarterectomy

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