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total mastectomy

(TOH-tul ma-STEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove the whole breast, which may include the nipple, areola (the dark-colored skin around the nipple), and skin over the breast. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed to check for cancer. Also called simple mastectomy.
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Total (simple) mastectomy; drawing shows removal of the whole breast and some of the lymph nodes under the arm.Enlarge this image in new window
Total (simple) mastectomy. The whole breast is removed. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed.
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