ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mastectomy

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //mæˈstɛktəmi// UK //mɑːstˈɛktəmi// mas·tec·to·my

n. a medical operation to remove one or both of a person's breasts. It is often done to treat or prevent breast cancer.

n. a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both breasts, typically performed for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer.


SIMPLE

She decided to have a mastectomy after her diagnosis.

CONTEXTUAL

The surgeon explained that a mastectomy might be necessary if the cancer is located in multiple areas of the breast tissue.

COMPLEX

Advances in reconstructive surgery have significantly improved the quality of life for patients who choose a mastectomy, allowing for a more natural appearance and reduced psychological distress following the procedure.

Origin

From mast- + -ectomy.

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