What is a statement about a simple mastectomy in breast surgery?

A simple mastectomy, also known as a total mastectomy, involves the surgical removal of the breast tissue, which includes the skin, breast tissue, and nipple, but not the underlying chest muscle or the surrounding lymph nodes. This procedure is typically performed for breast cancer or as a prophylactic measure in high-risk patients. The correct statement regarding a simple mastectomy is that it excludes lymph node dissection, meaning that the lymph nodes in the axillary region are not routinely removed during this procedure.

In contrast, other types of mastectomy, such as a modified radical mastectomy, do involve the removal of some or all of the lymph nodes. Therefore, knowing that a simple mastectomy does not include this dissection is crucial in distinguishing it from other surgical approaches in breast cancer management.