What stage does a complete mastectomy for breast cancer belong to?
Breast cancer total mastectomy is generally applicable to stage I or stage II disease.
Total mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, including the pectoral fascia and axillary tail. It is typically indicated for patients with microinvasive carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, or elderly and frail individuals who are not suitable candidates for radical surgery. Performing total mastectomy for breast cancer can effectively prevent distant metastasis of cancer cells and is commonly used for stage I and stage II cases. For stage III breast cancer, neoadjuvant therapy before surgery is generally recommended to improve resectability and cure rates. Breast cancer is a malignant condition; in early stages it may present as a breast lump, enlarged axillary lymph nodes, or nipple discharge. In advanced stages, cancer cells may metastasize to distant organs, leading to multi-organ involvement and potentially life-threatening complications.
Patients who have undergone total mastectomy should schedule regular follow-up visits at the hospital.