A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove a cancerous tumor or abnormal lump from the breast while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy breast tissue as possible. This approach is often referred to as breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy, or wide local excision. While a lumpectomy is less invasive than a full mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, it is considered a significant surgical procedure.
Understanding Surgical Classifications
Determining whether a surgery is “major” or “minor” involves several factors, though a universally strict definition does not exist. Major surgery often requires general anesthesia, involves penetrating a body cavity, or includes extensive tissue dissection. These procedures carry a higher potential for complications, may lead to a longer recovery period, and often necessitate a hospital stay.
In contrast, minor surgeries are superficial, do not involve body cavity penetration, and can be performed with local anesthesia. A lumpectomy aligns with several criteria for major surgery. It involves removing a mass and a margin of surrounding tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. While often an outpatient procedure, the depth of tissue removal and the potential for altering the breast’s anatomy contribute to its classification as a major surgical intervention.
The Lumpectomy Procedure
The lumpectomy procedure begins with precise localization of the target area, especially if the tumor is not easily felt. A radiologist uses imaging techniques, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to guide the insertion of a thin wire, a radioactive seed, or another marker directly into the tumor. This marker guides the surgeon to accurately identify and remove the specific area of concern.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision, often directly over the marked area. The goal is to remove the tumor along with a small, clear margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This margin is then examined by a pathologist to confirm that no cancer cells remain at the edges.
A common part of the lumpectomy is the assessment of nearby lymph nodes, particularly those in the armpit region. This often involves a sentinel lymph node biopsy, where a few specific lymph nodes are identified using a special dye or radioactive tracer. These nodes are removed and examined for cancer cells, as they are the first place breast cancer might spread. If cancer is found in these sentinel nodes, further lymph nodes may need to be removed in a procedure called an axillary lymph node dissection.
Anesthesia, Recovery, and Potential Considerations
A lumpectomy is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is unconscious and pain-free. Anesthesia teams closely monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the surgery. In some instances, local anesthesia combined with sedation may be used, allowing the patient to remain relaxed but awake.
Following surgery, patients are moved to a recovery area for monitoring. While many individuals can return home the same day, a short hospital stay may be advised. Pain, swelling, and bruising around the incision site are common and managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Full recovery from a lumpectomy can take several weeks, although light activities often resume within a few days. Patients receive instructions on wound care, including managing any temporary drains that might be placed to collect fluid.
Potential considerations after surgery include changes in breast shape or sensation, scar tissue, or fluid collection known as a seroma. Less common complications include infection, bleeding, or persistent nerve pain.