Which of the following is a common type of mastectomy?

Which of the following is a common type of mastectomy?

• A. Partial mastectomy
• B. Double lumpectomy
• C. Total mastectomy
• D. Salpingo-oophorectomy

Answer: (C)

A total mastectomy is indeed a common type of mastectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the entire breast, including the breast tissue, nipple, and a portion of the skin. It's typically recommended for patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer that is localized but cannot be effectively treated with lumpectomy (which preserves part of the breast) or for those with a high risk of developing breast cancer. In contrast, a partial mastectomy, while related, generally refers to the removal of a portion of breast tissue rather than the entire breast, making it more of a breast-conserving surgery. Double lumpectomy isn't a standard term used in breast surgical procedures, as lumpectomy generally implies that only a portion of one breast is removed, and "double" suggests two, which doesn’t typically apply in the context of mastectomy classifications. Salpingo-oophorectomy is an entirely different procedure, focusing on the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes rather than breast tissue. Thus, total mastectomy is the most fitting answer as it directly correlates with the common types of mastectomy performed in surgical oncology.

A total mastectomy is indeed a common type of mastectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the entire breast, including the breast tissue, nipple, and a portion of the skin. It's typically recommended for patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer that is localized but cannot be effectively treated with lumpectomy (which preserves part of the breast) or for those with a high risk of developing breast cancer.

In contrast, a partial mastectomy, while related, generally refers to the removal of a portion of breast tissue rather than the entire breast, making it more of a breast-conserving surgery. Double lumpectomy isn't a standard term used in breast surgical procedures, as lumpectomy generally implies that only a portion of one breast is removed, and "double" suggests two, which doesn’t typically apply in the context of mastectomy classifications. Salpingo-oophorectomy is an entirely different procedure, focusing on the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes rather than breast tissue. Thus, total mastectomy is the most fitting answer as it directly correlates with the common types of mastectomy performed in surgical oncology.