LUMPECTOMY

A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a breast lump or abnormal area seen on mammogram. This procedure keeps the breast looking much the same as it did prior to surgery.
When removing the lump, a small amount of surrounding normal tissue is also removed. This is done to make sure that all of the cancerous tissue has been removed. The tissue is then examined by a pathologist to see if any cancer cells are present in the surrounding normal tissue that was taken out. If there are no cancer cells in the tissue from around the tumor, this is called "clean margins." If cancer cells are found, your surgeon will recommend additional steps, which may include a "re-excision" to remove the additional cancer tissue.

The Procedure

If the lump or abnormal area is not palpable (not able to be felt), you will begin in Radiology on the day of your procedure. The radiologist will use mammography or ultrasound to guide a needle into the area of concern and will then place a wire in your breast to help pinpoint the specific area to be removed. The wire is then covered with a dressing to hold it in place. The average time for this part of the procedure is 30-60 minutes. You are then taken to the operating room where you will receive a local anesthetic to numb your breast, as well as, sedation through a needle in your arm to make you sleep through the procedure.
The surgeon uses the wire as a guide to precisely locate the lump. An incision (cut) is made and the abnormal tissue, along with the wire, is removed. When the surgery is complete, a dressing is placed over the incision and you are taken to the recovery room to be observed. In general, you can expect to be in the operating room for 60 to 90 minutes and in the recovery room for about 1-2 hours.

How Long Will I Stay in the Hospital?

Most women need to stay 1-2 nights in the hospital for observation.

Recovery and Follow up

There will be a scar from the incision. Initially, there may be some swelling and discomfort. You will be given prescription pain medication to take at home if needed.
Post-surgery breast size will depend on how much tissue is removed. It takes approximately 5 to 7 working days to get pathology results. Normally the results and future treatment will be discussed with you at your first post-operative consultation.

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