Mammoplasty Health Dictionary

See MAMMOPLASTY.... breast reconstruction

See MAMMOPLASTY.... breast reduction

A surgical operation to remove part or all of the breast (see BREASTS). It is usually done to treat cancer, when it is commonly followed by CHEMOTHERAPY or RADIOTHERAPY (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF). There are four types of mastectomy: lumpectomy, quandrantectomy, subcutaneous mastectomy and total mastectomy. The choice of operation depends upon several factors, including the site and nature of the tumour and the patient’s age and health. Traditionally, radical mastectomy was used to treat breast cancer; in the past three decades, however, surgeons and oncologists have become more selective in their treatment of the disease, bringing the patient into the decision-making on the best course of action. Lumpectomy is done where there is a discrete lump less than 2 cm in diameter with no evidence of glandular spread. A small lump (2–5 cm) with limited spread to the glands may be removed by quadrantectomy or subcutaneous mastectomy (which preserves the nipple and much of the skin, so producing a better cosmetic e?ect). Lumps bigger than 5 cm and ?xed to the underlying tissues require total mastectomy in which the breast tissue, skin and some fat are dissected down to the chest muscles and removed. In addition, the tail of the breast tissue and regional lymph glands are removed. In all types of mastectomy, surgeons endeavour to produce as good a cosmetic result as possible, subject to the adequate removal of suspect tissue and glands.

Breast reconstructive surgery (MAMMOPLASTY) may be done at the same time as the mastectomy – the preferred option – or, if that is not feasible, at a later date. Where the whole breast has been excised, some form of arti?cial breast (prosthesis) will be provided. This may be an external prosthesis ?tted into a specially made brassiere, or an internal implant – perhaps a silicone bag, though there has been controversy over the safety of this device. Reconstructive techniques involving the transfer of skin and muscle from nearby areas are also being developed. Post-operatively, patients can obtain advice from Breast Cancer Care.... mastectomy

A type of mammoplasty.... breast enlargement surgery

An artificial structure surgically introduced into the breast to increase its size (see mammoplasty).... breast implant

An operation performed to improve appearance rather than to cure or treat disease.

Cosmetic surgery techniques include the removal of skin blemishes or dermabrasion; rhinoplasty to alter the shape or size of the nose; face-lifts; mammoplasty to reduce or enlarge the breasts; body contour surgery to remove excess body fat and tissue; hair transplants; blepharoplasty to remove excess skin on the eyelids; and mentoplasty to alter the size or shape of the chin.

All cosmetic surgery carries the risk of side effects from the anaesthetic, as well as of complications of the procedure itself.... cosmetic surgery

Enlargement of one or both breasts in the male, due, in some cases, to an excess of the female sex hormone oestrogen in the blood.

Mild, temporary gynaecomastia can occur at birth as a result of maternal hormones, and it is common at puberty.

Gynaecomastia developing in later life may be due to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Hormone secreting tumours such as pituitary or testicular tumours may also be a cause.

Adult gynaecomastia, which sometimes occurs in only one breast, can also occur when synthetic hormones and some drugs, such as digoxin, spironolactone, and cimetidine, change the balance of sex hormones. Rarely, a discrete lump that develops on one breast may be due to a male breast cancer.

Investigation may involve blood tests. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be performed. Treatment depends on the cause. If a drug is responsible, an alternative will be prescribed if possible. If there is no underlying disease, swelling usually subsides without treatment. Cosmetic surgery may be considered in severe cases (see mammoplasty).

H2-receptor antagonists A common abbreviation for histamine2-receptor antagonists, a group of ulcer-healing drugs. (See also cimetidine; ranitidine; famotidine.) habituation The process of becoming accustomed to an experience. In general, the more a person is exposed to a stimulus, the less he or she is affected by it. People can become habituated to certain drugs and develop a reduced response to their effects (see tolerance).... gynaecomastia