What is a Lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat breast cancer. Considered less invasive than the previously standard radical mastectomy, a lumpectomy involves making one to two incisions in the breast to remove a cancerous lump. Lumpectomies are designed to preserve the existing shape of the breast.
After a lumpectomy, a woman will usually go through a six-week round of radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy may also be prescribed. Women who have lumps in more than two areas of the breast, whose affected breast has already been treated with radiation therapy or previously had an unsuccessful lumpectomy, are not good candidates for lumpectomies.
The rate of cancer recurrence for women who have lumpectomies is between seven and 13.4 percent. A successful lumpectomy depends on several factors including the lump's size, location and type. Women with benign or noncancerous lumps have little to no complications. However, a malignant or cancerous lump can pose greater challenges--the growth of the cancer, speed of growth and what parts of the body it may have spread to, can all impact a lumpectomy's outcome.
Lumpectomies are also known as wedge resection, breast conserving therapy, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, tylectomy wide excision biopsy and segmental excision.
Lumpectomy Procedure
Before the procedure, a mammogram (x-ray of the soft tissue of the breast) is taken and a fine needle biopsy is performed. If the tumor cannot be found by touch, an ultrasound of the breast will be taken to determine its location. Whether general (the patient is unconscious) or local (the patient is conscious, but the affected areas are numb) anesthesia will be administered depends on how extensive the surgery is. Many women have general anesthesia.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision either over the tumor itself or around the areola. The tumor is excised, though the surgeon will also take a small layer of tissue to test whether the cancer is localized or if it has metastasized. If necessary, a separate incision may be made near the underarm to remove axillary lymph nodes to test them for cancer.
After the lump is removed, the wound is irrigated and the surgeon may insert a drainage tube to be removed later. The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with bandages. Lumpectomies usually last one to three hours.
Post Procedure
Many women are able to go home the same day with after-care instructions, but some cases may necessitate a one to two day hospital stay. The amount of breast tissue removed will dictate the healing process. Most women can resume regular daily activities in one to two days, though lifting anything over 5 lbs. is usually restricted. Pain medication might be prescribed and a well-fitting bra should be worn for a full week following surgery.
Risks
As with any surgery, risks are to be expected. The appearance of the breast may change, including dimpling and a change in shape and size. The range of motion in the shoulder might be affected, and there may be a loss of sensation on the underarm or affected breast.
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