The team at BBG comprises board-certified breast cancer specialists and experienced surgeons with expertise in oncological surgery and breast reconstruction. Their multidisciplinary qualifications ensure comprehensive care, personalised treatment plans, and optimal outcomes for patients undergoing mastectomy.
Treatments - Breast Surgery
Mastectomy
![Treament Hero](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2024/03/Mastectomy-Birmingham-Breast-Group.jpg.webp)
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both breasts. It’s commonly used as a treatment option for breast cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer is extensive or has spread throughout the breast tissue (multi focal or multi centric). Some women will choose to have a mastectomy which is an important consideration. While mastectomy involves the loss of breast tissue, it can be a crucial step in managing breast cancer and preventing its recurrence. A mastectomy without any reconstruction leaves the individual as flat chested as possible and is known as a ‘simple’ mastectomy.
At a Glance
Treatment time:
Up to 90 minutes
Anaesthetic:
General anaesthetic
Return to work:
4-8 weeks
Duration:
Treatment over several weeks or months
Final results:
Breast Cancer management
About This Treatment
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists at BBG, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and plastic surgeons.
This collaborative approach ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences.
Before the surgery, you’ll undergo preoperative evaluations and imaging tests to assess tumour size, location, and spread. This information helps the surgical team plan the procedure and determine the extent of tissue removal required.
During the mastectomy procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the breast to access and remove the breast tissue. The extent of tissue removal depends on factors such as tumour size, location, and stage of cancer. In some cases, your surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes to assess cancer spread.
Following mastectomy, you’ll have the option to undergo breast reconstruction to restore breast shape and volume. This may involve immediate reconstruction using breast implants or your own tissue (autologous tissue flaps), or delayed reconstruction performed in a separate surgery.
After mastectomy, you’ll receive comprehensive postoperative care at Birmingham Breast Group, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring for potential complications. Close follow-up appointments allow our medical team to assess healing progress, address any concerns, and provide support throughout the recovery period.
Mastectomy involves the complete removal of breast tissue, including any cancerous cells present. This helps eliminate the primary source of cancer and reduces the risk of disease recurrence. By removing the affected breast tissue, mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in the treated breast. If you have a high risk of recurrence, mastectomy may offer a more effective treatment option compared to breast-conserving surgery. In some cases, mastectomy may be recommended for individuals with a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer, such as those with BRCA gene mutations (pathogenic variant). By removing both breasts (bilateral mastectomy), these individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Mastectomy aims to achieve complete removal of cancerous tissue from the breast, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and improving long-term survival rates. The extent of tumour removal and lymph node evaluation during surgery is crucial in determining the oncological outcome.
While mastectomy results in the loss of breast tissue, options for breast reconstruction allow patients to restore breast shape and symmetry. Through advanced surgical techniques and personalised care, BBG strives to achieve favourable cosmetic outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction.
The psychological impact of mastectomy can be significant, as it involves the loss of a visible aspect of femininity and body image. BBG provides comprehensive support services to address the emotional and psychological needs as a result of undergoing mastectomy, helping you navigate through this challenging period with resilience and confidence.
While mastectomy may impact breast sensation and mobility, most women adapt well to the changes over time. Through rehabilitation and supportive care, BBG aims to optimise functional outcomes and ensure you maintain a good quality of life following surgery.
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that plays a critical role in managing breast cancer by removing cancerous tissue and reducing the risk of disease recurrence. At BBG, mastectomy is performed with precision and expertise, with a focus on achieving optimal oncological and cosmetic outcomes for each patient. By combining surgical skill with compassionate care, BBG empowers women like you to overcome breast cancer and embrace life beyond diagnosis with confidence and resilience.
![Treatment Image](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2024/03/Mastectomy-Birmingham-Breast-Group2.jpg.webp)
Frequently Asked Questions
Women with breast cancer, especially those with extensive tumours, multifocal disease, genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA), or previous radiation therapy, may be recommended for mastectomy. Individuals with a high risk of recurrence or those preferring risk reduction may also consider mastectomy as a treatment option. Personal choice for a mastectomy remains an important consideration.
Common side effects of mastectomy include pain, swelling, bruising, and changes in breast sensation. Some patients may experience scarring, numbness, or restricted arm mobility. Psychological effects such as emotional distress or body image concerns are also possible. However, supportive care helps manage these side effects effectively.
The duration of a treatment course involving mastectomy varies based on factors such as tumour size, reconstruction type, and postoperative recovery. Typically, the process, from initial evaluation to complete recovery, may span several weeks to months, ensuring comprehensive care and optimal outcomes.
How much does Mastectomy cost at Birmingham Breast Group?
As each case is unique, the cost of treatment at BBG may vary depending on individual factors. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive personalised care and comprehensive support throughout your journey.
Initial consultation
please enquire
All consultations are conducted in strict privacy and all information is confidential.
Surgery costs from
based on consultation
Our personalised treatment plans are meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Related Treatments
Skin Sparing Mastectomy / Skin Reducing Mastectomy / Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
View TreatmentNipple Sparing Mastectomy
View TreatmentOncoplastic Surgery
View TreatmentRelated Concerns
Mastectomy
Our Specialist Team
Meet the dedicated professionals at Birmingham Breast Group – committed to excellence, compassion, and personalised care for every patient.
BSc, MBBS, MSc, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (Eng), MD, FEBS
Naren Basu
Lead Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
BSc, BM, MRCP, FRCR, MD
Daniel Henderson
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
MBChB, PhD, FRCS (Eng)
Ms Salena Bains
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Consultant Clinical oncologist
Dr James Good
PhD, FRCR
BSc, PhD, FRCP
Professor Daniel Rea
Professor of Medical Oncology
MRCP, FRCR
Dr Sara Meade
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
BSc, MBBS, MRCS, FRCR
Dr Faisal Majid
Consultant Radiologist
MSc, PhD, FRCPath
Dr Abeer Shaaban
Path Consultant Pathologist
Bsc, MBBS, MD (Pathology) FRCPath
Dr Rachna Awasthi
Path Consultant Pathologist
Dawn Larkin
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Ruth Tracey
Macmillan Breast Health Care Assistant
Dr Nadia Alishah
Job Title Here
Qualifications Here
Gill Farrington
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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