Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy (lum-PEK-tuh-me) is surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from your breast. During a lumpectomy procedure, the surgeon removes the cancer or other abnormal tissue and a small amount of the healthy tissue that surrounds it. This ensures that all of the abnormal tissue is removed.

The goal of lumpectomy is to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue while maintaining the appearance of your breast. Studies indicate that lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective in preventing a recurrence of breast cancer as removal of the entire breast (mastectomy) for early-stage breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend lumpectomy if a biopsy has shown that you have cancer and that the cancer is believed to be small and early stage. Lumpectomy may also be used to remove certain noncancerous or precancerous breast abnormalities. Your doctor may not recommend lumpectomy for breast cancer if you: Have a history of scleroderma, a group of diseases that harden skin and other tissues and make healing after lumpectomy difficult Have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammatory disease that can worsen if you undergo radiation treatments Have two or more tumors in different quadrants of your breast that cannot be removed with a single incision, which could affect the appearance of your breast Have previously had radiation treatment to the breast region, which would make further radiation treatments too risky Have cancer that has spread throughout your breast and overlying skin, since lumpectomy would be unlikely to remove the cancer completely Have a large tumor and small breasts, which may cause a poor cosmetic result Don't have access to radiation therapy

Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that carries a risk of side effects, including: Bleeding Infection Pain Temporary swelling Tenderness Formation of hard scar tissue at the surgical site Change in the shape and appearance of the breast, particularly if a large portion is removed

You'll meet with your surgeon a few days before your lumpectomy. Bring a list of questions to remind you to cover everything you want to know. Make sure you understand the procedure and its risks. You'll be given instructions about pre-surgical restrictions and other things you need to know. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking in case something could interfere with the surgery. In general, to prepare for your lumpectomy, it's recommended that you: Stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking it a week or longer before the surgery to reduce your risk of bleeding. Check with your insurance company to determine whether the procedure is covered and if there are restrictions on where you can have it done. Don't eat or drink 8 to 12 hours before surgery, especially if you're going to have general anesthesia. Bring someone with you. Besides offering support, another person is needed to drive you home and listen to postoperative instructions because it may take several hours for the effects of the anesthesia to wear off.