Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and traditional mastectomy are surgical procedures used in the treatment of breast cancer or for risk reduction in high-risk individuals. These procedures involve the removal of breast tissue but differ in the preservation or removal of the nipple-areola complex.

The choice between nipple-sparing mastectomy and traditional mastectomy depends on individual factors, including the specific characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their aesthetic preferences. The decision is often made collaboratively between the patient and the surgical team. Advances in surgical techniques and increased awareness of the impact on body image have contributed to the growing popularity of nipple-sparing mastectomy in appropriate cases.