Subcutaneous Mastectomy

Abstract

Breast cancer will develop in one of every 15 women born in the United States, and by the time the diagnosis is made, 25 to 50 per cent, depending upon the size of the primary tumor, will have axillary-lymph-node metastases.¹ These depressing facts have stimulated the performance of subcutaneous mastectomy as a possible prophylactic measure in those considered at "high risk" of mammary cancer. It has been estimated that more than 2000 subcutaneous mastectomies have been done in the United States during the past three years. Although its popularity is increasing, this procedure has not yet received enough dispassionate scrutiny. . . .