Total mastectomy

Definition of total mastectomy
National Cancer Institute

total mastectomy

(TOH-tul ma-STEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove the whole breast, which may include the nipple, areola (the dark-colored skin around the nipple), and skin over the breast. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed to check for cancer. Also called simple mastectomy.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms