prophylactic mastectomy

Definition of prophylactic mastectomy
National Cancer Institute

prophylactic mastectomy

(PROH-fih-LAK-tik ma-STEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer by removing one or both breasts before disease develops. Prophylactic mastectomy may be done in people who have a very high risk of developing breast cancer. Also called preventive mastectomy and risk-reducing mastectomy.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms