Mamm- and Mast-: Breast-Related Combining Forms in Medical Terminology

Mamm- (Latin Origin)

From Latin mamma = breast.

• Mammary (pertaining to breast)
• Mammogram (X-ray of breast)
• Mammoplasty (surgical reshaping)
• Mammary artery (internal thoracic artery)

Mast- (Greek Origin)

From Greek mastos = breast.

• Mastectomy (surgical removal of breast)
• Mastitis (inflammation of breast)
• Mastopathy (breast disease)
• Mastopexy (breast lift)

Usage Note

Mamm- is more common in general medical terminology; mast- appears frequently in surgical and pathological terms. Both refer to the same anatomical structure.