Mastectomy
The entire breast is removed — an important option for larger tumours, multiple cancers, or patients who choose mastectomy over breast conservation.
What is Mastectomy?
Mastectomy is the complete surgical removal of the breast, including the breast tissue, skin (in conventional mastectomy), and usually the nipple-areola complex. Modern variants — skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy — preserve more skin and can be combined with immediate reconstruction for better cosmetic outcomes. Dr. Abhishek performs mastectomy at Lux Hospitals for patients with larger tumours, multifocal disease, high genetic risk, recurrent cancer, or personal choice — often in collaboration with plastic surgery for immediate reconstruction.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Marking
General anaesthesia is given; incision design is marked — considering reconstruction plans if applicable.
Skin Flap Development
Skin flaps are raised carefully to preserve the blood supply while removing all breast tissue.
Breast Tissue Removal
The entire breast is removed from the chest wall, including the fascia of pectoralis major when needed.
Sentinel or Axillary Surgery
SLNB or ALND is performed concurrently based on nodal status and indication.
Reconstruction or Closure
Immediate reconstruction is performed if planned; otherwise skin is closed with drains in place.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Definitive local treatment for larger or multifocal breast cancer
- →Eliminates the need for post-operative radiotherapy in many cases
- →Nipple-sparing and skin-sparing variants enable excellent reconstruction
- →Suitable for risk reduction in BRCA-positive patients
- →Immediate reconstruction options preserve psychological wellbeing
- →Definitive option for recurrent disease or when conservation is unsuitable
Mastectomy is not a failure of breast conservation — for many women it is the right choice for safety, simplicity, or peace of mind. With modern reconstruction, the outcomes can be outstanding both oncologically and aesthetically.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Mastectomy Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of mastectomy in Hyderabad depends on the size and location of the breast tumor, whether the disease is multicentric, the extent of breast tissue that needs to be removed, lymph node involvement, pre-operative investigations, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and hospital care. Mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or most of the breast tissue is removed and may be considered for selected patients with large, multicentric, or otherwise unsuitable-for-breast-conservation breast tumors. The estimated cost ranges from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,20,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹1,60,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Multicentric / large tumour | ₹1,00,000 ₹2,20,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on the size, location, and number of tumor sites within the breast, lymph node status, previous treatment, and the type of mastectomy recommended. The final expense may also depend on whether the operation is performed alone or together with axillary lymph node surgery, reconstruction, or another breast procedure.
The overall cost may include breast imaging, biopsy and pathology review, blood investigations, anesthesia, operating-room charges, hospital admission, medicines, histopathology, drain care, and follow-up. When reconstruction is planned, the reconstruction procedure and associated implants or other materials may involve additional charges and should not be assumed to be included in the basic mastectomy estimate.
Factors Affecting Mastectomy Cost
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Tumor size: A large breast tumor may require a more extensive surgical procedure and can influence the choice of mastectomy.
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Multicentric disease: Tumors present in multiple separate areas of the breast may affect whether breast-conserving surgery is appropriate.
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Lymph node involvement: Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be recommended depending on the diagnosis and staging and can add to the total cost.
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Type of mastectomy: The extent of breast tissue removal and whether the nipple or skin can be preserved depends on the individual tumor and surgical plan.
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Pre-operative evaluation: Mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI in selected cases, biopsy, pathology review, blood tests, and other assessments may be required.
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Previous treatment: Prior chemotherapy, radiation, breast surgery, or other treatment may influence the surgical plan and complexity.
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Reconstruction: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction may be considered for selected patients and can create additional surgical and device-related expenses.
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Surgical complexity: Large tumors, altered anatomy, adhesions, or extensive disease may increase operative time and hospital requirements.
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Anesthesia and hospital care: Anesthesia, operating-room charges, inpatient admission, nursing, monitoring, and recovery services contribute to the overall expense.
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Histopathology: The removed breast tissue and lymph nodes may require detailed pathological examination, with pathology charges potentially billed separately.
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Drain and wound care: Surgical drains, dressing changes, wound management, and related supplies may contribute to post-operative expenses.
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Additional treatment: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or other oncology treatment may be recommended depending on the final diagnosis and pathology and will generally involve separate costs.
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Follow-up care: Post-operative consultations, pathology review, recovery monitoring, and further cancer-care planning may add to the overall treatment expense.
Insurance Coverage for Mastectomy
Mastectomy may be covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary treatment for a diagnosed breast cancer or another covered breast condition. Coverage depends on the diagnosis, treatment plan, policy terms, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer guidelines, applicable limits, and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm coverage for the mastectomy, lymph node procedures, pathology, hospitalization, reconstruction where applicable, and subsequent cancer treatment with their insurance provider before planned admission.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Abhishek Katha
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Abhishek Katha, MBBS, MS, FMAS, is a Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad. During consultation, he reviews the patient's breast lump, duration and progression of symptoms, pain or other breast changes, previous investigations or treatment, medical and surgical history, and available mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, and pathology reports. A clinical examination and review of diagnostic findings help assess the breast condition, extent of the lesion, and whether further evaluation or surgical treatment is required. When mastectomy is being considered, Dr. Abhishek Katha evaluates the available clinical, imaging, and pathology findings and discusses the appropriate surgical treatment based on the patient's diagnosis. The consultation may include discussion of the extent of breast removal, the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary surgery where indicated, possible breast reconstruction, pre-operative preparation, expected hospital stay, recovery and drain care, pathology assessment, possible additional oncology treatment, follow-up requirements, and factors that may influence the final treatment cost.
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