Modified radical mastectomy for carcinoma of the breast.

The technique of modified radical mastectomy (total mastectomy and axillary dissection) as carried out by members of the Breast Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is presented. As described by Patey, the pectoralis minor muscle is removed to facilitate dissection of the upper levels of the axilla. Care is taken to preserve the principal neurovascular bundle to the pectoralis major muscle. Indications for and complications of the procedure are indicated, with particular emphasis given to selection of patients for modified radical mastectomy or radical mastectomy.