mastectomy
noun
mas·tec·to·my
ma-ˈstek-tə-mē 
plural mastectomies
: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles
Did you know?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Early cases can often be treated with drugs or with a small operation called a lumpectomy (because it removes a lump). Though a "simple mastectomy" is larger than a lumpectomy, it allows the breast to be reconstructed, using artificial implants or tissue from elsewhere on the body. But "radical mastectomy", which is required when the cancer is at an advanced stage, takes much of the chest muscle and makes reconstruction impossible.
Examples of mastectomy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bobbie for Change supports the brand's progressive mission by advocating for parental leave, providing free formula to families in need, including parents affected by the California wildfires and moms who have had mastectomies.
—
Parents Editors, Parents, 22 July 2025
Her battle — which included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction — ultimately led to the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 25 June 2025
That journey included holistic treatment methods versus traditional recommendations of a double mastectomy, full chemotherapy and radiation.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 June 2025
Munn said her mother had a double mastectomy, an operation that Munn also had when she was diagnosed.
—Doha Madani, NBC news, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastectomy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Parents Editors, Parents, 22 July 2025
Her battle — which included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction — ultimately led to the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 25 June 2025
That journey included holistic treatment methods versus traditional recommendations of a double mastectomy, full chemotherapy and radiation.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 June 2025
Munn said her mother had a double mastectomy, an operation that Munn also had when she was diagnosed.
—Doha Madani, NBC news, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastectomy
Cite this Entry
“Mastectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastectomy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mastectomy
noun
mas·tec·to·my
ma-ˈstek-tə-mē
plural mastectomies
: surgical removal of all or part of the breast and sometimes associated lymph nodes and muscles see modified radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share