Lumpectomy (also called breast conserving surgery, partial mastectomy or wide excision) is a surgical procedure that removes suspicious lumps and/or malignant tumors and a small portion of the surrounding tissue from a woman’s breast. The goal of the lumpectomy surgery is to remove the malignant tumor and enough surrounding tissue so that the breast appears as normal as possible after the surgery and to decrease the chance of the cancer recurring. In addition, studies have shown that lumpectomy with radiation treatment is as effective as mastectomy in treating breast cancer.
The size and location of the lump determine how much of the breast is removed during a lumpectomy. A quadrantectomy, for example, involves removing a quarter of the breast. Before surgery, a woman should discuss with her oncological surgeon how much of the breast will be involved so that she can know what to expect. The tissue is then tested to determine if it is cancerous. If cancerous cells are discovered in the tissue sample, additional surgery or treatment may be necessary.
A number of lymph nodes in the underarm may also be removed during the surgery to test for cancer. This is done with a separate incision. If cancer is found in those lymph nodes, more lymph nodes may be removed.
Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those who are diagnosed early, are considered good candidates for lumpectomy and integrated cancer treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapies.
A lumpectomy can be performed with local anesthesia. However, if you are not having lymph nodes removed or are having a partial mastectomy, you be put under general anesthesia.
After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. A nurse will be able to help with pain management and any other symptoms you are experiencing like nausea, or anxiety.
Most patients return home the day of the surgery, but depending upon your recovery, you may stay in the hospital for up to a few days. Your doctor or nurse will give you post-op instructions including pain management.
Preventing infection is usually an emphasis of the post-op instructions. Post-surgical factors depend on the size and location of the tumor removed, the general health of the woman, and the preferences of the patient and your oncological surgeon.
Depending upon your post-surgical factors your surgeon may recommend you from attempting to lift anything over five pounds for the first several days following surgery. Other physical activities may also be discouraged. Your surgeon usually recommends that you continuously wear a bra that fits well for about a full week after surgery. Some patients may have drainage tubes inserted into the armpit that collect blood and other fluid during the initial healing process.
Most patients are able to get back to normal activity within a few days. But be sure to wait for your doctor to tell you when you can start with more strenuous physical activity. This will depend on the extent of the surgery and on other treatment you might be having.
If your cancer treatment plan includes radiation therapy, it will most likely not start until the wound heals. Recovery should take about two weeks.
Lumpectomy (breast-conserving) surgery is a recommended oncological treatment to remove as much cancer as possible and give the greatest chance of a cure to early stage breast cancer patients. The goal of the lumpectomy surgery is to remove the malignant tumor and enough surrounding tissue so that the breast appears as normal as possible after the surgery and to decrease the chance of the cancer recurring. In addition, studies have shown that lumpectomy with radiation treatment is as effective as mastectomy in treating breast cancer.
The recurrence rate of breast cancer in women who receive a lumpectomy with radiation therapy is low. The results of a lumpectomy largely depend on the location, size, and type of lump found.
The risks involved with lumpectomy are typical of any surgical procedure. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby tissues. Clear fluid or blood may collect in the wound and need to be drained. You may have breast pain, tingling, pinching or numbness.
Lumpectomy Surgery for Breast Cancer | Breastcancer.org www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy
Lumpectomy: What to Expect – Breastcancer.org www.breastcancer.org › Treatment & Side Effects › Surgery › Lumpectomy
What to Expect During a Lumpectomy Surgery | Susan G. Komen® ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Lumpectomy.html
Lumpectomy – The BCS Surgery Procedure | Susan G. Komen® ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/LumpectomyTheSurgicalProcedure.html
Lumpectomy – Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumpectomy/basics/definition/prc-20012706