Mastectomy, radical means: Radical mastectomy: The removal of all breast tissue from under the collarbone and abdomen to include the chest wall muscles, axillary lymphodes, armpit, and chest walls. The efficacy and safety of radical mastectomy were compared to total mastectomy in a 1971 trial. The historic trial saw the end of radical mastectomy. It also started the trend towards less extensive surgery. This has led to the rise of lumpectomy which has greatly improved the quality of women living with breast cancer. Also called Halstead mastectomy.
(in Medical Dictionary)
