A lumpectomy is one of the most common surgeries for treating breast cancer. It’s a procedure where only the cancerous part of the breast and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. This surgery is often referred to as breast-conserving surgery because it allows you to keep most of your breast.
If you or a loved one are considering or scheduled for a lumpectomy, it’s natural to have questions. This blog will explain what a lumpectomy is, what to expect and how it fits into your cancer treatment plan.
What is the purpose of a lumpectomy?
The main goal of a lumpectomy is to remove cancer or abnormal tissue from the breast while keeping the breast’s shape intact. It’s often an option for women with:
- Early-stage breast cancer
- Small tumors (that can be removed without removing the entire breast)
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – a very early form of breast cancer
A lumpectomy is typically followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
How does a lumpectomy differ from a mastectomy?
While a lumpectomy removes only the tumor and a small portion of surrounding tissue, a mastectomy removes the entire breast. The choice between these two procedures depends on:
- The size and location of the tumor
- The stage of the cancer
- Personal preferences and recommendations from your care team
Many women who qualify for a lumpectomy prefer it because it preserves their breast.
What to expect before a lumpectomy
Your care team will guide you through the steps leading up to your surgery. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-surgery tests: You may need imaging tests like a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to help locate the tumor.
- Marking the area: Sometimes, a radiologist will place a small wire or marker in the breast before surgery to help guide the surgeon to the tumor.
- Meeting with the surgeon: Your surgeon will explain the procedure, risks, and what recovery will look like.
- Anesthesia preparation: A lumpectomy is usually done with general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure.
Be sure to ask any questions you may have so you feel confident and prepared.
What happens during a lumpectomy?
The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and follows these general steps:
- Anesthesia: You’ll be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain.
- Surgery: The surgeon makes a small incision in the breast and removes the tumor along with some healthy tissue around it.
- Checking for cancer spread: The surgeon may remove lymph nodes under the arm to check if the cancer has spread.
- Closing the incision: The surgeon will close the incision with stitches or surgical glue.
What to expect after surgery
Most people go home the same day as their lumpectomy. Here’s what recovery looks like:
- Pain and discomfort: Some soreness, swelling, or bruising in the breast is normal.
- Care for the incision: Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for the incision and when you can shower.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment: You’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your results and next steps, like radiation therapy.
Most women recover fully within 2-4 weeks.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any surgery, a lumpectomy has some risks. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Changes in breast shape or appearance
- Pain or stiffness in the arm (if lymph nodes were removed)
Your care team will monitor you closely and help you manage any side effects.
Why is radiation therapy or chemotherapy needed after a lumpectomy?
Radiation therapy is usually recommended after a lumpectomy to:
- Destroy any remaining cancer cells
- Reduce the chance of the cancer coming back
This treatment is a critical part of breast-conserving therapy and helps improve long-term outcomes.
Chemotherapy also destroys difficult cancer cells, lowering the chance of cancer spreading to other areas of the body, especially when used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy.
Early detection is key
Mammography is a type of imaging used specifically for examining breast tissue. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect and diagnose breast cancer. Routine mammograms can detect cancer before any physical symptoms appear, improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular screening is also important so there is a baseline against which new mammograms can be compared, especially when new symptoms appear, so that subtle changes can be detected.
Learn more
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you want the reassurance of knowing you can receive the care you need, close to home. At NGHS, you can find the advanced treatment options needed for breast cancer.