Breast and endocrine surgery: modified radical mastectomy types: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Surgery · Breast and endocrine surgery: modified radical mastectomy types

Sample item

In the Patey modified radical mastectomy, which muscle is removed?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pectoralis minor

Patey removes breast, axillary nodes and pectoralis minor while preserving pectoralis major. Auchincloss (Madden) preserves both pectoral muscles. The long thoracic and thoracodorsal nerves are preserved in both.

Option by option

  • A. Serratus anterior

    Serratus anterior must be preserved for winging prevention.

  • B. Pectoralis major

    Pectoralis major is preserved in modified procedures.

  • C. Latissimus dorsi

    Latissimus dorsi is spared.

  • D. Pectoralis minor (correct)

    Correct. Patey removes pectoralis minor.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is D, Pectoralis minor. Patey removes breast, axillary nodes and pectoralis minor while preserving pectoralis major.

Why is "Serratus anterior" not the answer?

Serratus anterior must be preserved for winging prevention.

Why is "Pectoralis major" not the answer?

Pectoralis major is preserved in modified procedures.

Why is "Latissimus dorsi" not the answer?

Latissimus dorsi is spared.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Breast and endocrine surgery: modified radical mastectomy types in General Surgery. Auchincloss (Madden) preserves both pectoral muscles. The long thoracic and thoracodorsal nerves are preserved in both.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Breast and endocrine surgery: modified radical mastectomy types?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.