Lumpectomy
Your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy if you:
- have a small cancer compared to the size of your breast
- have cancer in only one area of your breast
- are comfortable having radiation therapy after the lumpectomy, or
- wish to preserve your breast
During a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, a surgeon will remove the cancer (or lump) and a small amount of normal breast tissue surrounding it. The amount of tissue removed depends upon the size of the cancer. The surgery is usually done on outpatient basis.
The tissue removed during the lumpectomy will be sent to the pathology lab after your surgery. The pathologist will make a detailed description of what the cancerous cells look like and how they react. The pathologist will also determine if there are cancer cells at or very near the edge (or margin) of the tissue removed. If cancer cells are found at or near the edge, the surgeon may recommend a second, larger lumpectomy or a mastectomy if that is the best option.
If no cancer cells are found at or near the edge, you will start radiation therapy once you have healed from the lumpectomy or have completed your chemotherapy, if chemotherapy is recommended. Radiation therapy is recommended following a lumpectomy to reduce the chance that the cancer will return in the breast.
After a lumpectomy, your breast may look a little smaller or have less fullness than your other breast. If a larger amount of tissue is removed, you may wish to wear a partial breast prosthesis (an artificial breast form) in your bra to fill in the area and balance your breasts.
Back to "Surgical Options"
The information in this section will help you plan and prepare for your treatment. However, it is not meant to replace the individual attention, advice, and treatment plan of your oncologist and medical team.
Updated 5/19/06