modified radical mastectomy

mastectomy /mas·tec·to·my/ (mast-ek´tah-me) excision of the breast.

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modified radical mastectomy  total mastectomy with axial node dissection, but leaving the pectoral muscles intact.

radical mastectomy  amputation of the breast with wide excision of the pectoral muscles and axillary lymph nodes.

subcutaneous mastectomy  excision of breast tissue with preservation of overlying skin, nipple, and areola so that the breast form may be reconstructed.

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mod·i·fied radical mastectomy (md-fd)

n.

Surgical removal of the entire breast and the lymphatic-bearing tissue in the armpit.

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modified radical mastectomy,

a surgical procedure in which a breast is completely removed with the underlying pectoralis minor and some of the adjacent lymph nodes. The pectoralis major is not excised. The operation is performed to treat early and well-localized malignant neoplasms of the breast, for which it appears to be as curative as the more extensive radical mastectomy. Care of the woman before and after a modified radical mastectomy is similar to that for a radical mastectomy. Compare radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy. See also lumpectomy, mastectomy, Reach to Recovery.

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modified radical mastectomy

Total mastectomy with axillary node dissection Breast surgery A procedure for localized breast CA, which excises the breast, an ellipse of skin, usually with the nipple and axillary lymph nodes, leaving underlying chest muscle intact. See Lumpectomy.