A modified radical mastectomy is a surgical technique for breast cancer that involves removal of the breast, nearby lymph nodes and associated chest muscle lining. The surgery carries several safety risks.
The Facts
Modified radical mastectomy is the most common form of surgery performed in breast cancer cases, HealthCommunities.com reports. Individuals with a spread of cancer to the lymph nodes or with large tumors may receive a recommendation for the procedure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Short-Term Risks
In addition to general surgical risks such as adverse reactions to general anesthesia, the Encyclopedia of Surgery cites short-term post-surgical risks of a modified radical mastectomy that include increasing pain, poor or abnormal drainage, redness at the surgery site and fever.
Infection
In cases involving significant lymph node removal, patients may experience swelling of the arm, according to the Encyclopedia of Surgery. The associated buildup of fluid can increase the risk of postsurgical infection.
Nerve Damage
Patients may also experience some degree of nerve damage, the Encyclopedia of Surgery notes. Consequences may include potentially permanent reduction in shoulder mobility and arm numbness.
Considerations
As with any surgery performed to remove cancer, modified radical mastectomy may not result in complete removal of cancer-causing cells, according to the Encyclopedia of Surgery. As a result, reappearance of cancer after surgery sometimes occurs.
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