What does mastectomy involve?

Mastectomy specifically refers to the surgical removal of one or more mammary glands. This procedure is commonly performed in cases where there is a diagnosis of breast cancer or other diseases affecting the mammary tissue. The goal of a mastectomy is to eliminate affected tissue to prevent the spread of disease, or to remove tumors, ensuring the health and safety of the patient. Mastectomies can be partial or total, depending on the extent of the condition being treated.

Understanding the definitions and contexts of surgical procedures is essential in veterinary medicine, as many animals may also require similar surgeries for conditions like mammary tumors or infections. The other choices represent completely different surgical procedures related to different organs, which further emphasizes the importance of recognizing specific terms in veterinary medicine.