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May 20, 2013
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Mastectomy (cont.)

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Next Steps

  • The first follow-up visit occurs about one week after the surgery to make sure the incision is healing well and that no postoperative complications are present.
    • During this visit, the surgeon explains the results of the biopsy and, if necessary, discusses any further treatment (chemotherapy [using medications to kill cancer cells], radiation therapy, or both).
    • Stitches that dissolve by themselves are often used to close the incision. If the surgeon used nondissolving stitches or clips, they are removed during the first follow-up visit.
  • Drainage tubes are usually removed (typically within two weeks) when the amount of fluid draining from the operation site decreases to an acceptable volume.

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Mastectomy - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of you needing a mastectomy?

Breast Cancer

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Breast Cancer »

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer in women.

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