Modified radical mastectomy



Definition

A surgical procedure that removes the breast, surrounding tissue, and nearby lymph nodes that are affected by cancer.


Purpose

The purpose for modified radical mastectomy is the removal of breast cancer (abnormal cells in the breast that grow rapidly and replace normal healthy tissue). Modified radical mastectomy is the most widely used surgical procedure to treat operable breast cancer. This procedure leaves a chest muscle called the pectoralis major intact. Leaving this muscle in place will provide a soft tissue covering over the chest wall and a normal-appearing junction of the shoulder with the anterior (front) chest wall. This sparing of the pectoralis major muscle will avoid a disfiguring hollow defect below the clavicle. Additionally, the purpose of modified radical mastectomy is to allow for the option of breast reconstruction , a procedure that is possible, if desired, due to intact muscles around the shoulder of the affected side. The modified radical mastectomy procedure involves removal of large multiple tumor growths located underneath the nipple and cancer cells on the breast margins.


Demographics

The highest rates of breast cancer occur in Western countries (more than 100 cases per 100,000 women) and the lowest among Asian countries (10–15 cases per 100,000 women). Men can also have breast cancer, but the incidence is much less when compared to women. There is a strong genetic correlation since breast cancer is more prevalent in females who had a close relative (mother, sister, maternal aunt, or maternal grandmother) with previous breast cancer. Increased susceptibility for development of breast cancer can occur in females who never breastfed a baby, had a child after age 30, started menstrual periods very early, or experienced menopause very late.

In the United States, there were approximately 175,000 cases of breast cancer in 1999 with more than 43,000 deaths. Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all cancer diagnosed in American women and for 16% of all cancer deaths. Breast cancer is a worldwide public health problem since there are approximately one million new cases diagnosed annually. A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in eight. The incidence rose

Woman with scars from a modified radical mastectomy. (Biophoto Associates/Science Source. Reproduced by permission.)
Woman with scars from a modified radical mastectomy. (
Biophoto Associates/Science Source. Reproduced by permission.
)
21% from 1973 to 1990, but in recent years there has been a decline.


Description

The surgeon's goal during this procedure is to minimize any chance of local/regional recurrence; avoid any loss of function; and maximize options for breast reconstruction. Incisions are made to avoid visibility in a low neckline dress or bathing suit. An incision in the shape of an ellipse is made. The surgeon removes the minimum amount of skin and tissue so that remaining healthy tissue can be used for possible reconstruction. Skin flaps are made carefully and as thinly as possible to maximize removal of diseased breast tissues. The skin over a neighboring muscle (pectoralis major fascia) is removed, after which the surgeon focuses in the armpit (axilla, axillary) region. In this region, the surgeon carefully identifies vital anatomical structures such as blood vessels (veins, arteries) and nerves. Accidental injury to specific nerves like the medial pectoral neurovascular bundle will result in destruction of the muscles that this surgery attempts to preserve, such as the pectoralis major muscle. In the armpit region, the surgeon carefully protects the vital structures while removing cancerous tissues. After axillary surgery, breast reconstruction can be performed, if desired by the patient.

Diagnosis/Preparation

Modified radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure to treat breast cancer. In order for this procedure to be an operable option, a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer must be established. The first clinical sign for approximately 80% of women with breast cancer is a mass (lump) located in the breast. A lump can be discovered by monthly self-examination or by a health professional who can find 10–25% of breast cancers that are missed by yearly mammograms (a low radiation x ray of the breasts). A biopsy can be performed to examine the cells from a lump that is suspicious for cancer. The diagnosis of the extent of cancer and spread to regional lymph nodes determines the treatment course (i.e., whether surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, either singly or in combinations). Staging the cancer can estimate the amount of tumor, which is important not only for diagnosis but for prognosis (statistical outcome of the disease process). Patients with a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a stage 0 cancer, have the best outcome

In a modified radical mastectomy, the skin on the breast is cut open (A). The skin is pulled back, and the tumor, lymph nodes, and breast tissue are removed (B and C). The incision is closed (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
In a modified radical mastectomy, the skin on the breast is cut open (A). The skin is pulled back, and the tumor, lymph nodes, and breast tissue are removed (B and C). The incision is closed (D). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)
(nearly all these patients are cured of breast cancer). Persons who have cancerous spread to other distant places within the body (metastases) have stage IV cancer and the worst prognosis (potential for survival). Persons affected with stage IV breast cancer have essentially no chance for cure.

Persons affected with breast cancer must undergo the staging of the cancer to determine the extent of cancerous growth and possible spread (metastasis) to distant organs. Patients with stage 0 disease have noninvasive cancer with a very good outcome. Stages I and II are early breast cancer, without lymph node involvement (stage I) and with node positive results (stage II). Persons with stage III disease have locally advanced disease and about a 50% chance for five-year survival. Stage IV disease is the most severe since the breast cancer cells have spread through lymph nodes to distant areas and/or other organs in the body. It is very unlikely that persons with stage IV metastatic breast cancer survive 10 years after diagnosis.

It is also imperative to assess the degree of cancerous spread to lymph nodes within the armpit region. Of primary importance to stage determination and regional lymph node involvement is identification and analysis of the sentinel lymph node. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which any cancer would spread. The procedure for sentinel node biopsy involves injecting a radioactively labeled tracer (technetium 99) or a blue dye (isosulphan blue) into the tumor site. The tracer or dye will spread through the lymphatic system to the sentinel node, which should be surgically removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells. If the sentinel node and one or two other neighboring lymph nodes are negative, it is very likely that the remaining lymph nodes will not contain cancerous cells, and further surgery may not be necessary.

Once a breast lump (mass) has been identified by mammography or physical examination , the patient should undergo further evaluation to histologically (studying the cells) identify or rule out the presence of cancer cells. A procedure called fine-needle aspiration allows the clinician to extract cells directly from the lump for further evaluation. If a diagnosis cannot be established by fine-needle biopsy, the surgeon should perform an open biopsy (surgical removal of the suspicious mass). Preparation for surgery is imperative. The patient should plan for both direct care and recovery time after modified radical mastectomy. Preparation immediately prior to surgery should include no food or drink after midnight before the procedure. Post-surgical preparation should include caregivers to help with daily tasks for several days.


Aftercare

After breast cancer surgery, women should undergo frequent testing to ensure early detection of cancer recurrence. It is recommended that annual mammograms, physical examination, or additional tests (biopsy) be performed annually. Aftercare can also include psychotherapy since mastectomy is emotionally traumatic. Affected women may be worried or have concerns about appearance, the relationship with their sexual partner, and possible physical limitations. Community-centered support groups usually made up of former breast cancer surgery patients can be a source of emotional support after surgery. Patients may stay in the hospital for one to two days. For about five to seven days after surgery, there will be one or two drains left inside to remove any extra fluid from the area after surgery. Usually, the surgeon will prescribe medication to prevent pain. Movement restriction should be specifically discussed with the surgeon.


Risks

There are several risks associated with modified radical mastectomy. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which itself carries risk. Women may have short-term pain and tenderness. The most frequent risk of breast cancer surgery (with extensive lymph node removal) is edema, or swelling of the arm, which is usually mild, but the presence of fluid can increase the risk of infection. Leaving some lymph nodes intact instead of removing all of them may help lessen the likelihood of swelling. Nerves in the area may be damaged. There may be numbness in the arm or difficulty moving shoulder muscles. There is also the risk of developing a lump scar (keloid) after surgery. Another risk is that surgery did not remove all the cancer cells and that further treatment may be necessary (with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy). By far, the worst risk is recurrence of cancer. However, immediate signs of risk following surgery include fever, redness in the incision area, unusual drainage from the incision, and increasing pain. If any of these signs develop, it is imperative to call the surgeon immediately.

Normal results

If no complications develop, the surgical area should completely heal within three to four weeks. After mastectomy, some women may undergo breast reconstruction (which can be done during mastectomy). Recent studies have indicated that women who desire cosmetic reconstructive surgery have a higher quality of life and better sense of well-being than those who do not utilize this option.


Morbidity and mortality rates

The outcome of breast cancer is very dependent of the stage at the time of diagnosis. For stage 0 disease (5–10% of the cases), the five-year survival is 99%. For stage I (early/lymph node negative), which comprises 40–45% of total cases, the five-year survival is 85–95%. For stage II (early/lymph node positive), which comprises 35–40% of total cases, the five-year survival decreases to 65–75%. For stage III disease (locally advanced), which accounts for 10–15% of total cases, the five-year survival is 45–50%. Women with stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer account for about 7% of total cases; the five-year survival is 20–30%. Less than 1% of these women survive past 10 years.


Alternatives

There are no real alternatives to mastectomy. Surgical requirement is clear since mastectomy is recommended for tumors with dimensions over 2 in (5 cm). Additional treatment (adjuvant) is typically recommended with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer during surgery. Modified radical mastectomy is one of the standard treatment recommendations for stage III breast cancer.


Resources

books

Noble, John. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 2001.

Townsend, Courtney. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 16th edition. St. Louis: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.

periodicals

Fiorica, James. "Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer." Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics 28 no. 4 (December 2001).

organizations

American Cancer Society. (800) ACS-2345. http://www.cancer.org. .

Cancer support groups. http://www.cancernews.com . Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. http://www.y-me.org. .


Laith Farid Gulli, MD
Nicole Mallory, MS, PA-C



User Contributions:

1
guntur
good scientific report. in future, i hope can do the best. minimize complication and godd reconstruction
2
Teresa Curry
Excellent article. I just has my surgery last Wednesday. Everything in this article accurate based on personal experience, research and comparison. I'm very thrilled to find an article that matches my reality. This should be an award winning text. Congrats!
HELLO
I AM SURGEON, MY FIELD IS SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
TKS FOR ME NEW INFORMATION LATER
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
just had lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node dissection - cancer free on thee breast but they fould 1 of 7 nodes tested had cancer - what are my best options tx Margot Simmonds
i am interested in knowing if skin and tissue samples are sent to pathology during the surgical mastectommy procedure to make sure no cancerous cells remain at the margin of incision. is this standard protocol for bilateral mastectomy wiht dcis diagnosis.
i am interested in knowing if skin and tissue samples are sent to pathology during the surgical mastectommy procedure to make sure no cancerous cells remain at the margin of incision. is this standard protocol for bilateral mastectomy wiht dcis diagnosis.
7
vidya
this article is a gud guideline for the students. thank u for the efforts.
also, plz put some light on why it occurs mostly in women who have never breast fed.
thank you..
I am having a radical modified mastectomy in 4 days and I have viewed and reread your artical many times.I appreciate this article but would like to know why not being pregnant, not breast feeding and most have it in the left breast..Why?...Is there something I could have done to lower my chances for breast cancer? I do plan on reconstruction but must do the chemo first. I will be a Cancer Warrior through 2011 , and 2012..God be with me.
9
lori
HAVE HAD SEVERAL LUMPECTOMY'S, MRI BIOPSIES, ULTRASOUND BIOPSIES ETC.. ATYPIA COMES BACK W/ A VENGEANCE AFTER REMOVAL. ATYPIA WAS ONLY IN RT BREAST NOW HAS SPREAD TO LFT. SURGEON CONFIERRED W/ PLASTIC & HIGH RISK & RADIOLOGIST DR.'S AND HAVE DECIDED TO DO A MASECTOMY. AN CURRENTLY ON TAMOXEFEN. NOT SURE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS EXCEPT TO KEEP REMOVING LUMPS & CRREATE MORE SCAR TISSUE & DEFORMITY. HAS NAYONE HEARD OF THIS?
10
jennette
I would like to know about the complications of modified radical mastectomy.
11
gizachew
TNX FOR SHARING US THIS VITAL INFORMATION ..I WONDER IF YOU TELL ME HOW MUCH YEAR GOING TO LIVE A WOMEN WHO HAVE SECOND STAGE B CANCER AFTER SURGERY
12
MelindasFight
I had my Modified Radical Mastectomy ten days ago, and let me tell you, it's been rough. I suggest getting a bidet, you can find inexpensive ones on Amazon that attach to your toilets easily. The reason for the bidet, something no one warned me about, is its hard to wipe! I'm right handed and had the surgery on the left side, but when you extend your right arm it pulls accross your chest, and it hurts! Don't even think about using your left arm. Some of it will be numb, some of it will be on fire. You will need physical therapy, for your arm, something no one told me. I was very uninformed going into this surgery. Your arm will have very restricted movement, so it's rough standing up, and getting in and out of chairs. If available, get a shower chair. It sounds excessive, but I'm only 27 and I can't stand in the shower without getting cramps everywhere(post-surgery). These are just some things I wished I had known. Good luck all!

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