What is a lumpectomy and how does it differ from a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy is viewed as breast-conserving surgery. The goal of a lumpectomy procedure is to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding normal breast tissue but leave the breast intact. A mastectomy, on the other hand, removes the entire breast.
What lumpectomy means?
(lum-PEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast and some normal tissue around it, but not the breast itself. Some lymph nodes under the arm may be removed for biopsy. Part of the chest wall lining may also be removed if the cancer is near it.
How long does it take to recover from lumpectomy?
Healing time after surgery can range anywhere from a few days to a week. After a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, you’re likely to feel well enough to return to work after two or three days. You can usually resume normal physical activities, like going to the gym, after one week.
Is mastectomy or lumpectomy better?
Lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures are both effective treatments for breast cancer. Research shows there is no difference in survival rate from either procedure, though lumpectomy has a slightly higher risk of recurrent cancer.
What are the side effects of a lumpectomy?
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.
Is a lumpectomy painful?
Lumpectomy is performed under anesthesia; hence, the procedure itself is not painful. After the surgery and recovery from anesthesia, patients may experience pain, which usually resolves in a few days and can be minimized with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
Does a lumpectomy leave a dent?
If you’ve had lumpectomy (with or without radiation) to remove early-stage breast cancer, you may have a dent or distortion of the breast shape near the surgical site, which can be improved with surgery.
Will I have a drain after lumpectomy?
3 You will not usually need a drainage tube if you are undergoing a surgical biopsy, lumpectomy, or a sentinel node biopsy. The location of your drains will depend on the surgery you have, but often includes a drain at your mastectomy site and one in your armpit if you have lymph nodes removed.