mastectomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Medical/Clinical, sometimes used in general media.
Quick answer
What does “mastectomy” mean?
A surgical operation to remove one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical operation to remove one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.
In a broader medical context, the term can refer to the removal of any glandular or protruding tissue, though the breast removal definition is overwhelmingly primary. It is often part of a treatment plan involving other therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The term is a standardized medical term used identically.
Connotations
The term carries the same serious, medical connotations in both varieties. It is not euphemized.
Frequency
Frequency is tied entirely to medical/health discourse and is equally low in general conversation in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mastectomy” in a Sentence
to undergo a mastectomyto perform a mastectomy (on someone)to have a mastectomyto recommend a mastectomyto recover from a mastectomyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mastectomy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mastectomy procedure took three hours.
- She joined a mastectomy support group.
American English
- The mastectomy surgery was successful.
- They discussed mastectomy options with the oncologist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in contexts of health insurance, medical device manufacturing, or hospital administration.
Academic
Common in medical, nursing, public health, and oncology literature and lectures.
Everyday
Used in personal health discussions, news reports about cancer, and support group contexts. Not a casual term.
Technical
The primary technical term in surgical oncology and plastic/reconstructive surgery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mastectomy”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mastectomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mastectomy”
- Misspelling as 'masectomy' (missing 't').
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (MA-stectomy). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She was mastectomised' is non-standard; use 'underwent a mastectomy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is one of several options. Treatment depends on the cancer's type, stage, and location. Lumpectomy (removing only the tumour) with radiotherapy is often an equally effective alternative.
A single (or unilateral) mastectomy removes one breast. A double (or bilateral) mastectomy removes both breasts, often done as a preventive measure for high-risk patients.
Yes, breast reconstruction is a common procedure that can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or at a later date. It uses implants or the patient's own tissue.
A radical mastectomy is an extensive older procedure that removes the breast, chest muscles, and lymph nodes. It is rarely performed today, having been largely replaced by less invasive 'modified radical' or 'simple' mastectomies.
A surgical operation to remove one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.
Mastectomy is usually medical/clinical, sometimes used in general media. in register.
Mastectomy: in British English it is pronounced /mæˈstɛk.tə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /mæˈstɛk.tə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MAST (like a ship's mast - a prominent, central structure) + ECTOMY (a cutting out). You 'cut out' the prominent breast tissue.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURGERY IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'She went through a mastectomy'), MEDICAL PROCEDURE IS A TOOL FOR SURVIVAL (e.g., 'a mastectomy was her weapon against cancer').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a mastectomy?