Mastectomy

What Is A Mastectomy?

Mastectomy is a surgery that removes the whole breast, often including the nipple, areola, and nearby lymph nodes, to treat or prevent breast cancer.

When choosing where to find breast cancer care, it’s important to have an experienced, trusted team by your side. Texas Oncology is a leader in breast surgery care across Texas. Our surgeons are experts in mastectomy procedures and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your health, recovery, and quality of life.

What To Expect With A Mastectomy

Our team is committed to guiding you through every step of your procedure, helping you feel informed, confident, and fully prepared for your mastectomy.

FAQs

How long does a mastectomy take?

If you have a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, the surgery will likely take between 1 to 3 hours. But if you choose to have reconstruction at the same time, surgery time increases to 3 to 4 hours if you’re getting implants or tissue expanders, and 6 to 8 hours for tissue flap reconstruction.

Will I need radiation therapy if I have a mastectomy?

Most women do not need radiation therapy after mastectomy. But in some situations, radiation may be used to target the chest wall and lymph nodes. If chemotherapy is part of your treatment, radiation typically follows once chemotherapy is complete.

Will a preventive mastectomy eliminate my risk of developing breast cancer? 

Having a preventive bilateral mastectomy can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by 95% or more if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation. It can reduce your risk by up to 90% if breast cancer runs in your family. But a small risk remains, because a mastectomy can’t eliminate all breast tissue cells.

What insurances does Texas Oncology accept?

At Texas Oncology, we strive to provide affordable care. That includes accepting a wide range of insurances. We accept most insurance plans and work with other insurance companies to establish coverage for patients whenever possible.