Surgical removal of a breast. It may be partial, such as in the case of quadrantectomies, or total, and is performed in patients (the great majority of them women) affected by tumors involving the mammary gland. This type of surgery is associated with concurrent loco-regional lymphadenectomy and radiation therapy, and is one of the main causes of secondary lymphedema. Figures: Lymphedemas of the right upper limb secondary to breast surgery.