SURGERY PICTORIAL DICTIONARY The following diagrams show the three types of mastectomies:

Partial Mastectomy A surgery that removes a portion of the breast. This surgery is also frequently referred to as a lumpectomy. This surgery would be recommended for someone who has a small cancer such that it could be removed and still have a cosmetically pleasing appearance of the remaining breast mound. Modified Radical Mastectomy A surgery that removes the breast, including the nipple and areola, and the lymph nodes in the armpit, but DOES NOT remove the muscles of the chest wall.  This surgery might be recommended for someone who has multiple cancers within the same breast, or if the tumor is so big that its removal would significantly deform the remaining breast. Radical Mastectomy This surgery removes the breast, including the nipple and areola, the lymph nodes in the armpit, and muscles of the chest wall. This is very rarely done today, but might be necessary if the tumor invaded the muscles of the chest wall.