Modified Radical Mastectomy

1. What is Modified Radical Mastectomy?
It is a surgical treatment for breast cancer in which the entire breast is removed along with lymph nodes from the armpit (axillary lymph-node dissection), while the major chest muscles are generally preserved.

2. When is Modified Radical Mastectomy recommended?
It may be recommended for certain invasive breast cancers, locally advanced tumors, multifocal or extensive disease, or when breast-conserving surgery is not appropriate or has not achieved adequate cancer control.

3. What happens to the lymph nodes?
The surgeon removes selected axillary lymph nodes to determine whether cancer has spread and, when involved, to help achieve appropriate local disease control. The number of nodes removed varies between patients.

4. What tests are performed before surgery?
Evaluation may include mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI in selected cases, biopsy, pathology testing, hormone-receptor and HER2 testing, blood tests, and additional staging investigations when clinically indicated.

5. How is the surgery performed?
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex, together with the required axillary lymph nodes. The chest muscles are usually preserved, unlike in a traditional radical mastectomy.

6. Can breast reconstruction be performed?
Yes. Breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy or at a later stage. Options can include implant-based reconstruction or reconstruction using the patient's own tissue, depending on individual circumstances.

7. What is the recovery like?
Patients usually remain in hospital for a short period, depending on the extent of surgery and recovery. A drain may be placed temporarily, and gradual arm and shoulder exercises are commonly introduced to restore mobility.

8. What are the potential risks?
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, fluid collection (seroma), numbness, shoulder stiffness, and arm swelling due to lymphedema. The risk varies according to the extent of lymph-node surgery and other treatments.

9. Why consider India for Modified Radical Mastectomy?
India has experienced breast surgeons and multidisciplinary oncology teams, advanced diagnostic and pathology services, modern cancer hospitals, and access to reconstructive surgery at comparatively competitive costs.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate medical-record and pathology review, connect patients with appropriate breast surgeons and oncology specialists, assist with hospital and treatment coordination, and support international patients with non-clinical arrangements.