What is a common indication for performing a mastectomy?

The indication for performing a mastectomy in this scenario primarily revolves around the size of the tumor relative to the size of the breast. A large tumor in a relatively small breast may not be amenable to breast-conserving therapy, such as lumpectomy plus radiation. When the tumor is significantly larger than the breast tissue available, a mastectomy is often indicated to ensure complete removal of the cancerous tissue and to reduce the risk of local recurrence.

Other indications such as well-circumscribed tumors limited to one quadrant or small ductal carcinoma in situ typically allow for breast-conserving surgery to be a viable option instead of a full mastectomy. While a patient's request can be an important factor in the decision-making process, medical guidelines still prioritize clinical factors such as tumor size, location, and type over patient preference alone. Therefore, the context of tumor characteristics and breast size is crucial in deciding whether a mastectomy is warranted.