-The minor pectoral muscle is removed only if it interferes with the removal of the lymph nodes, but its absence is hardly noticed-The major pectoral muscle is never removedCare is taken to ensure that general appearance harmed.-the cut is in the shape of an ellipse, avoiding a vertical line.-The cut is slightly removed from the breastbone, so the scar wont be visible in low cut clothing-An effort is made to avoid unsightly folds-Nevertheless, such folds sometimes do occur in heavier womenSurgery to remove armpit lymph nodes creates a risk of future arm swelling, or lymphedema.Sentinel Node biopsy.-seeks to lessen the risk of developing lymphedema-this has not been proven effective Total (or simple) mastectomy-the breast is removed-the lymph nodes are not removed-used to treat ductal carcinoma in situradical mastectomy.-rarely used today-most disfiguring and traumatic of all breast cancer surgeries-it involves the removal of the breast, all muscles of the chestwall (minor and major pectorals), and sometimes, so much skin that skin grafting may be necessary-the natural contours of the chest wall is lost, arm mobility may be temporarily reduced, and breast reconstruction is more difficult-this technique is used only in those rare cases of breast cancer which have not been detected early and have already invaded the muscles of the chestwallPartial mastectomy-Three types: lumpectomy, wide excision, or a quadrantectomy-If the tumor is small in relation to the whole breast, then it and about two centimeters of surrounding tissue is removed. This is called a lumpectomy or wide excision-If approximately a quarter of the breast is removed the procedure is called a quadrantectomy. This reduces the size of the breast.-Followed by radiation treatment and usually by hormone therapy and chemotherapy-The purpose of a partial mastectomy is to remove the tumor while preserving the breast-It is a new procedure and the techniques are still developing. -It...
