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Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove a whole breast. It is used to treat breast cancer. A total (or simple) mastectomy removes only the breast. Other types of mastectomy may involve removing the breast plus nearby tissues, such as lymph nodes under the arm. This may be needed if cancer has spread to these areas. In some cases, it may be possible to leave most of the skin that was over the breast (skin-sparing mastectomy) or the skin plus the nipple and areola (nipple-sparing mastectomy).

If a person has a very high risk of getting breast cancer, the breasts may be removed before cancer is diagnosed. This is called a prophylactic mastectomy. It can help prevent breast cancer.

Heart Topics

Browse our library of medical conditions and treatments

Heart Topics | Heart and Circulation | Heart Conditions

Symptom Checker

A body map to help you find and learn more about your symptoms.

Symptom Checker

Medical Tests

Learn more about your diagnostic exam.

Medical Tests

Medications

Get important information regarding your medications

Medications

Healthy Lifestyles

Tips on how to stay healthy

Healthy Eating | Weight

Interactive Tools

Tips on how to stay healthy

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