Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

Which statement regarding breast surgery is false?

1. Augmentation mammoplasty is done for gynecomastia

2. Mastectomy is performed for breast cancer

3. Reduction mammoplasty can alleviate back pain

4. Breast conservation therapy can be an option

The correct answer is: Augmentation mammoplasty is done for gynecomastia

The statement concerning augmentation mammoplasty being performed for gynecomastia is inaccurate. Augmentation mammoplasty is primarily a procedure aimed at increasing the size of the breasts, typically using implants or fat transfer. It is most commonly associated with women seeking to enhance breast volume for aesthetic purposes. On the other hand, gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in males, and treatment for this condition usually involves procedures like mastectomy or liposuction specifically designed to reduce breast tissue. Therefore, the intent and application of augmentation mammoplasty do not apply to the treatment of gynecomastia, making that statement false. Each of the other statements accurately reflects appropriate surgical interventions related to breast health: mastectomy is indeed a standard treatment for breast cancer, reduction mammoplasty can provide significant relief from back pain and discomfort associated with overly large breasts, and breast conservation therapy represents a surgical approach that seeks to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.