Subcutaneous mastectomy: indications and technique.

For a certain group of patients, carefully selected by criteria which are here discussed, subcutaneous mastectomy offers a real prospect of minimizing the risk of breast cancer developing. It will also relieve pain in most of those for whom it has become intolerable and will usually provide the patient with both comfort and peace of mind. Performed by the technique described, subcutaneous mastectomy can now produce an aesthetically pleasing result. Regular review of all patients is, however, mandatory.