A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both breasts, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomies, including total mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, and partial mastectomy, which removes only a portion of the breast tissue. This surgery may be recommended based on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. After a mastectomy, patients may undergo additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Some individuals may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery afterward to restore the appearance of the breast. Support from healthcare professionals and support groups can be beneficial during recovery.