Lumpectomy: Indications, Procedure & Recovery
A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery,it is a surgical procedure used to remove a tumour or lump from the breast while preserving as much of the healthy breast tissue as possible.
During a lumpectomy, the tumour and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue are removed. The goal is to treat breast cancer or other breast conditions while maintaining the appearance of the breast and minimizing the need for complete breast removal ( mastectomy).
Indications of Lumpectomy Procedure:
- Early-Stage Breast Cancer: If the tumor is small and localized, a lumpectomy is an ideal treatment option.
- Benign Tumors: Certain non-cancerous lumps may also be removed with a lumpectomy for medical or aesthetic reasons.
- Breast Conservation: The procedure aims to treat cancer while keeping the breast's appearance as intact as possible.
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Get A Second OpinionWho Performs Lumpectomy Surgery?
Lumpectomy surgeries are performed by breast surgeons or surgical oncologists specialising in breast cancer treatment and breast surgery.
Whom to Contact:
- Primary Care Physicians: Consult your physician if you have breast concerns or symptoms. They can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
- Breast Centers: Research and contact breast centres with experienced breast surgeons or oncologists.
- Hospitals with Breast Surgery Departments: Contact hospitals with specialized breast surgery departments that offer lumpectomy services.
- Breast Cancer Support Organizations: Organizations specializing in breast cancer support can provide information, resources, and guidance.
- Referring Physicians: Your primary care physician or referring specialist can provide referrals to breast surgeons or surgical oncologists.
Preparing for Lumpectomy Procedure
- Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will review your health history, conduct physical exams, and order tests like imaging or biopsies to plan the surgery.
- Preoperative Instructions: Follow any fasting or medication instructions given by the surgical team before the procedure.
- Medications: Inform your surgeon about your current medications and supplements. Adjustments may be required.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure you're well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to help with healing.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake, as they can affect healing.
- Anesthesia Discussion: Discuss the type of anaesthesia used with your surgical team during the surgery.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing to the surgery and follow any specific instructions.
What Happens During Lumpectomy Surgery
During a lumpectomy surgery, the following steps typically take place:
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the breast area of the tumor . The incision's location and size depend on the tumor's characteristics.
- Tumor Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to check if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
- Wound Closure: The incision is stitched closed, and sterile dressings are applied.
- Pathology Examination: The removed tissue is sent for lab analysis to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed and to determine the tumor's characteristics.
Complications of Breast Lumpectomy Surgery
While lumpectomy is a relatively low-risk procedure, complications can occur. These include:
- Infection: Proper wound care is essential to avoid infection at the surgical site.
- Lymphedema: Swelling may occur if lymph nodes are removed or damaged during surgery.
- Hematoma or Seroma: Blood or fluid collection can cause swelling under the skin.
- Scarring: Although lumpectomy aims to minimize scars, some scarring may occur at the incision site.
- Changes in Breast Appearance: There may be some asymmetry or changes in breast shape after surgery.
- Recurrence of Cancer: In rare cases, cancer may return, requiring further treatment.
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Book an AppointmentRecovery After Lumpectomy Surgery Procedure:
Recovery after a lumpectomy surgery involves several phases:
- Pain Management: After the surgery, you may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling. Your surgical team will provide pain relief instructions and medications if needed.
- Wound Care: Follow your surgeon's guidelines for wound care, including keeping the incision clean and dry.
- Physical Activity: While you'll need to avoid strenuous activities initially, light walking and gentle arm exercises can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
- Surgical Drains: If you have surgical drains, your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for them and when they will be removed.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgical team. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your healing and addressing any concerns.
- Pathology Results: Your surgeon will discuss the results of the pathology examination and whether any additional treatment, such as radiation therapy or further surgeries, is recommended.
Lifestyle Changes After Lumpectomy Surgery
- Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your body's healing process.
- Physical Activity: Gradually resume physical activities as guided by your surgeon. Engage in light exercises and arm mobility exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Lymphedema Prevention: If lymph nodes were removed during the procedure, avoid lymphedema, such as avoiding tight clothing and protecting the arm from injuries.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your surgeon's recommendations regarding wound care, medications, and follow-up appointments.
