radical mastectomy, surgical removal of an entire breast; pectoral muscles; axillary lymph nodes; and all fat, fascia, and adjacent tissues as one surgical treatment for breast cancer. Edema of the arm on the affected side is the rule because the axillary lymphatic structures that drain the lymph from the arm are removed during surgery. A pressure dressing is usually applied and left in place until bleeding and drainage have decreased. A drain is usually left in the wound for several days. Compare modified radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy. See also lumpectomy, mastectomy.
