Radical Mastectomy

The doctor performs a physical exam which could help to determine the presence of cancer. Thereafter, a few other tests may be required and recommended in order to confirm the diagnosis as a physical exam alone does not suffice. The following tests may be done:-

• Mammogram- a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can help in the early detection of cancer.
• Breast ultrasound- can be used in addition to a mammogram or when the results from the same are inconclusive. It determines whether a lump is a fluid filled cyst or a solid mass.
• Breast biopsy- a biopsy helps in confirming the presence of cancer with surity. Biopsy may be needed to determine whether the lump is cancerous or benign
• CT, PET, MRI scans in addition to other tests to confirm specifics such as size and location of the tumor.

Radical mastectomy is the most extensive and invasive type of mastectomy. It involves the removing of the entire breast, levels I, II, and III of the lymph nodes under the arm and the chest muscle under the breast. This surgery is only recommended to those patients whose cancer has metastasized to the chest muscle. This surgery is now not very commonly performed due to other techniques which are less invasive.

One such technique is modified radical mastectomy, which involves the removal of the entire breast, and levels I and II of the underarm lymph nodes. It does not involve removal of underlying breast muscle unlike the traditional radical mastectomy. It is also comparatively less disfigurative and therefore preferred over the former.

Mastectomy does not involve any major risks except for those that one encounters with any type of major surgery. These include

• Wound infection
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Blood clot formation
• Fatigue
• Bleeding
• Blood collection (hematoma) around the wound
• Fluid collection (seroma) around the wound
• Swelling in the arms (lymphedema)
• Nerve pain
• Shoulder stiffness 
• Scar tissue formation 

• You will most likely stay in the hospital for one or two days after a radical mastectomy.
• Recovery at home may take up to four weeks. It may take even longer if the patient has undergone breast reconstruction surgery as well.
• It is normal to have some pain, tenderness, bruising, and swelling after the surgery.
• The doctor will prescribe some pain-relieving medications after the procedure.
• Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided during the recovery period.
• You will need physiotherapy sessions after the surgery.
• The doctor will remove the drains and stitches one or two weeks after the surgery.
• You need to have regular follow-ups with the doctor after the procedure to check for complications, how successful the treatment was, if any additional treatment is needed and if there is any risk for cancer recurrence.

Home remedies:

• Take lots of rest for the first few weeks after the procedure.
• Take all your prescribed medicines regularly.
• Avoid bathtubs or showers until the drains and stitches are removed. You can take sponge baths during this period.
• Perform the exercises recommended by the doctor to prevent stiffness in your arm.

Cost of radical mastectomy in India- 

The cost of a radical mastectomy in Mumbai is between INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000.
The cost of a radical mastectomy in Delhi is between INR 85,000 to INR 2,25,000.
The cost of a radical mastectomy in Bangalore is between INR 85,000 to INR 2,25,000.
The cost of a radical mastectomy in Chennai is between INR 80,000 to INR 2,00,000.