A lumpectomy is a type of breast cancer surgery that spares the breast and breast tissues. During this surgery, a surgeon removes the lump and not the breast.
Doctors may also refer to a lumpectomy as a partial mastectomy or breast conservation surgery.
Sometimes, breast lumps, like cysts, do not need treatment. However, if a person needs treatment, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the lump.
A note on breast lumps
The majority of breast lumps are benign (noncancerous). Only
However, people should still seek medical advice if a new lump appears or an existing lump changes.
There are several reasons why a person might need a lumpectomy.
Sometimes, a surgeon will carry out a biopsy to test a sample of tissue. At the same time, they
If tests confirm the presence of breast cancer, a surgeon will often remove the tumor with a lumpectomy.
After undergoing the lumpectomy, a person with breast cancer may also need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or medication to treat the cancer and prevent it from returning.
A person’s outlook after surgery will depend on several factors, including the type of lump and the stage of the cancer if a lump is cancerous.
Read about breast cancer symptoms.
There are various causes of breast lumps. Not all lumps are cancerous.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Cysts
Breast cysts are one of the
A breast cyst is a harmless growth in the breast tissue. These cysts are most likely to occur in females ages 30 to 50 years and tend to occur with hormonal changes, such as the start of a menstrual period.
Breast cysts often clear on their own. However, if a cyst is large or uncomfortable, a healthcare professional may use a needle to drain the fluid. Cysts can reoccur after draining.
Read about breast cysts versus tumors.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are noncancerous clumps of breast tissue that come together to form a mass.
They can occur at any age, but are more common in females ages
Researchers do not know what causes fibroadenomas. However, they may be related to hormones, as they tend to grow during pregnancy and shrink during menopause.
Generally, fibroadenomas require no treatment. However, if the lump is large, a healthcare professional may recommend surgical removal.
Intraductal papillomas
Intraductal papillomas are noncancerous, wart-like tumors that
Papillomas may not require treatment unless they are large or cause symptoms. A doctor may also recommend treatment if there is more than one papilloma or if there are atypical cells associated with the lump.
Read more about intraductal papillomas.
Hormonal changes
The breasts change over time and during the menstrual cycle. Lumps may come and go regularly. Checking the breasts at the same time once a month can help a person keep track of any unexpected changes.
Learn more about breast self-exams.
It is important for a person to contact a doctor if they find any lumps or notice other changes in their breasts.
A healthcare professional may recommend imaging tests, which can reveal details of the lump and surrounding tissue. These tests may include:
Someone who has a low risk for breast cancer may only need to monitor the lump and return to a doctor periodically so they can check it.
However, a doctor may recommend either a biopsy or more extensive surgery if there is any chance that the lump may be cancerous or if it causes pain.
A surgeon can carry out several different procedures to remove a breast lump or, in some cases, the entire breast.
The surgeon will discuss appropriate options with the individual. The procedure a person has will depend on:
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a tumor and the rim or margin of healthy tissue that surrounds it. Doctors often refer to this procedure as partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery because the majority of the breast is left intact.
When a surgeon removes a cancerous tumor, they need to ensure that they remove all the cancer cells. Typically, they initially take a small amount of tissue that surrounds the tumor, known as the margins, for examination under a microscope.
If there are no cancer cells in the border, surgeons consider this a healthy or clear margin. If there are cancer cells in the border, further surgery may be necessary to remove the rest of the cancer.
Read about choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy.
A lumpectomy is usually an outpatient procedure. It can take place either in the hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
If the person takes medications, the surgeon will give them instructions in advance of the surgery about whether they can continue to take them in the days or weeks before. The surgeon will also tell the person whether they will need to stop eating or drinking for a time before the procedure.
On the day of the surgery, a radiologist will typically locate the tumor with an ultrasound or mammogram. They will then numb the area with a local anesthetic and insert a guide wire, which sticks out of the breast and can help guide the surgeon during the procedure.
The surgeon may also mark the incision location with a pen before the surgery.
During surgery
Depending on the surgery, the medical team may use local or general anesthesia. However, most people have a lumpectomy under general anesthesia.
The surgeon will usually operate with an electric knife that reduces the risk of bleeding. They typically make a curved incision in the breast.
Sometimes, they will fit a drainage tube to remove any excess fluid that might build up in the place where the lump was after the surgery.
Following the procedure, the surgeon will stitch the incision and apply a dressing. The entire procedure generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
Risks
As with all surgical procedures, breast lump removal can carry some risks.
These may include:
- bleeding
- infection
- pain
- swelling
- scar tissue
- change in the appearance of the breast
Recovery will depend on the type of procedure. The surgeon
The doctor may give the individual a prescription for some pain medication and instructions about caring for the dressing and follow-up appointments.
Sometimes, the drainage tube remains in place until the follow-up appointment.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, aftercare may include:
- resting
- taking sponge baths instead of showers while stitches are still in place
- wearing a support bra or sports bra
- arm exercises that the surgeon may recommend
There may be some itching and sensitivity as the nerves grow back after surgery. This may go away in time, or a person may become used to the different feeling.
After removing the breast tissue, the surgeon will send it to a pathologist, who will examine it under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will share this information with the person after receiving the results. They will explain what the results mean and what will happen next.
Signs of infection
People will need to contact their surgeon or medical team if they notice any signs of infection after surgery, such as:
- excessive swelling
- increasing pain
- color changes, such as redness
Learn more about identifying wound infections.
It is not always possible to detect a lump or other changes in the early stages of breast cancer. For this reason, it is important to consider screening.
The American College of Physicians recommends asking a healthcare professional about routine screening from the age of 40 years. It also recommends routine screening every 2 years for women ages 50 to 74 years with an average risk of breast cancer.
Other authorities, such as the
Individuals can ask a doctor about the best option for them.
Breast cancer resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on breast cancer.
Although it can be frightening to find a lump in the breast, the cause is often not cancer.
Still, anyone who finds a lump should see a doctor promptly to obtain an accurate diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.
A doctor may recommend a biopsy or lumpectomy. A lumpectomy involves removing the lump or tumor while conserving the breast.
Screening can help people find changes in the early stages of breast cancer when there is a strong chance of treating it effectively.