mastectomy

[ ma-stek-tuh-mee ]

noun

Surgery.

plural mastectomies.

1. the operation of removing all or part of the breast or mamma.

mastectomy

/ mæˈstɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. the surgical removal of a breast

mastectomy

/ mă-stĕk′tə-mē /

1. Surgical removal of all or part of a breast, performed as a treatment for cancer.
2. ◆ A radical mastectomy includes excision of the underlying pectoral muscles and regional lymph nodes.

mastectomy

1. The surgical removal of a breast.

Other Words From

• postmas·tecto·my adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastectomy¹

First recorded in 1920–25; mast- + -ectomy

Example Sentences

A prosthetic offered after mastectomy "until very recently came in either a white colour or a pale peach colour. And if you're a woman who isn't fair skinned, then that is so 'othering' for you".

From BBC

The Hollywood actress had a double mastectomy in 2013 to reduce her risk of cancer after her mother had died from the disease.

From BBC

Within a matter of days she was preparing not only for a Caesarean section to deliver her baby, but also to undergo chemotherapy and have a mastectomy.

From BBC

Jailed surgeon Ian Paterson has told an inquest into the death of one his patients that he completely removed all the breast tissue at her first mastectomy.

From BBC

It would be "crazy" to leave breast tissue behind during a mastectomy, a disgraced breast surgeon has told an inquest into the death of one of his patients.

From BBC