modified radical mastectomy, a surgical procedure in which a breast is completely removed with the underlying pectoralis minor and some of the adjacent lymph nodes. The pectoralis major is not excised. The operation is performed to treat early and well-localized malignant neoplasms of the breast, for which it appears to be as curative as the more extensive radical mastectomy. Care of the woman before and after a modified radical mastectomy is similar to that for a radical mastectomy. Compare radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy. See also lumpectomy, mastectomy, Reach to Recovery.
