Mastectomy
When you’re going through breast cancer, you need support from a specialist team in comfortable facilitiesSometimes a mastectomy may be recommended where cancer has spread throughout your breast, or the breast contains pre-cancerous cells, to prevent the cancer growing or spreading further.
We understand that going through breast cancer treatment, or undergoing a procedure such as a mastectomy, is a difficult time for you. Our specialist breast cancer care teams, including a Macmillan Breast Cancer Nurse, are here to support you throughout your stay and the procedure, ensuring you are well looked after and as comfortable as possible.
Supporting you on the steps to becoming cancer free
In some cases, only part of the breast may need to be removed. Your Consultant will discuss moving breast tissue from another area in order to conserve the breast tissue and maintain symmetry.
A full mastectomy involves removing the whole breast and nipple. If your Consultant feels it is necessary, this may also involve parts of your lymph nodes (glands) and into your armpit, to allow for assessment of the cancer, which may determine further treatments.
We want to help you feel like you again. You may wish to discuss options for breast reconstruction with your Consultant, to create a new breast shape. This can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or can be carried out at a later time.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need a procedure or breast surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
Video
Mastectomy FAQs
Where will my breast surgery take place?
All surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, even if you had a consultation or accessed our breast care services at Sevenoaks Medical Centre. Most outpatient appointments, including scans and tests, and follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
What should I expect from a mastectomy?
The mastectomy will be performed under general anaesthetic and you will also have local anaesthetic injections to help numb the pain after the operation.
Once under general anaesthetic, your Consultant will make an elliptical incision into your breast, taking out breast tissue and sometimes the nipple. If necessary, your lymph nodes may also be taken out through the same incision, although this will have been discussed prior to your operation.
Will it hurt?
When you wake you will find tubes inserted to help drain and heal your wound and will find the breast area will feel tender and tight. Your arm and shoulder will also feel sore and stiff, especially if you’ve had lymph nodes removed.
It is possible for there to be a fluid collection “seroma” at the site of the wound. The fluid is absorbed into the body in time, but if the seroma is large or uncomfortable it may need to be drained.
How long will I need to stay in hospital?
You will generally stay in hospital for two or three nights following your procedure, and your Consultant will monitor your recovery to ensure you receive the best support for your needs.
When will I know if the procedure was successful?
Your breast tissue and lymph nodes will be examined, and the results will be with you within two weeks.
90% of women benefit from receiving additional therapy treatment to ensure the chance of cancer reoccurring is kept to a minimum; if this is the case your Consultant will discuss the options best suited for you.
Patient stories
I didn’t really think anything of the lump at first… I have private medical insurance through my husband’s work, so I booked an appointment in the Breast Clinic at KIMS Hospital. Imelda Bell – Breast clinic
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Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
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Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.