What is the primary purpose of a simple mastectomy?

The primary purpose of a simple mastectomy is to remove all breast tissue, which is essential for treating breast cancer. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, while generally preserving the lymph nodes under the arm. This is important because it allows for the effective removal of cancerous cells while minimizing additional risks and complications associated with lymph node retrieval.

While preserving lymph nodes can be an added benefit during a mastectomy, the fundamental goal is to eliminate breast tissue that may be affected by or at risk of cancer. Other options such as breast reconstruction or biopsy serve different, distinct purposes and are not the primary goals of a simple mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can occur later but is not involved in the mastectomy process itself. A biopsy, on the other hand, is a procedure to obtain tissue for diagnosis, rather than a treatment method for cancer.