Therapeutic or Preventive Procedure
prophylactic mastectomy Audio
pro·phy·lac·tic mas·tec·to·my [ proh-fih-lak-tik ma-stek-toh-mee ]
Subclass of:
Prophylactic Surgical Procedures; Mastectomy
Definitions related to prophylactic mastectomy:
  • Surgery to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by removing one or both breasts before disease develops.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Surgical removal of one or both breasts to prevent or reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in persons who may be predisposed.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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