1 doctor in India — verified profiles, ratings, fees and clinic or online consultation.
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), FIAGES Consultant General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon
General Surgeon
Podiatry
Dr. Sivagamasundari Angamuthu is a highly skilled Consultant General Surgeon with 18 years of extensive clinical experience, including 11 years as an indepen…
Showing 1–1 of 1
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a breast tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. It is most commonly performed to treat early-stage breast cancer while preserving as much of the breast as possible.
Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy removes only the cancerous lump and a small amount of nearby tissue. Because of this, it is often referred to as breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy, or wide local excision.
Lumpectomy is frequently followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. When combined with radiation, lumpectomy can be just as effective as mastectomy for many people with early-stage breast cancer.
The main goal of the procedure is to remove cancer while maintaining the natural appearance of the breast and allowing a faster recovery compared with more extensive surgeries.
A lumpectomy may be recommended for individuals diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions.
Your doctor may recommend this procedure if:
● The tumor is small relative to the size of the breast
● Cancer is confined to one area of the breast
● The patient is able to undergo radiation therapy after surgery
● There is enough remaining tissue to maintain the breast’s shape after tumor removal
However, lumpectomy may not be suitable if:
● There are multiple tumors in different areas of the breast
● The tumor is very large relative to the breast
● The cancer involves the skin or chest wall
● Radiation therapy cannot be safely performed
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your cancer stage, overall health, and treatment goals before recommending the procedure.
Lumpectomy is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
1. Preparation
Before surgery, the patient undergoes imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound to locate the tumor precisely. The surgeon also reviews medical history and medications.
2. Anesthesia
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, so the patient is asleep and does not feel pain.
3. Incision
The surgeon makes a small incision in the breast over or near the tumor.
4. Tumor Removal
The tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed to ensure all cancer cells are taken out. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are also examined or removed.
5. Tissue Examination
The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for pathological analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells and ensure the margins are clear.
6. Closure
The incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesive, and a bandage is applied.
Most lumpectomy procedures are outpatient surgeries, meaning patients can usually go home the same day.
Recovery after a lumpectomy is usually quick, although healing times vary.
Common recovery experiences include:
● Mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the incision
● Temporary fatigue following anesthesia
● Wearing a supportive bra or dressing to protect the surgical area
Most people return to normal activities within one to two weeks, though heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided during early recovery.
Doctors may also recommend:
● Follow-up visits to monitor healing
● Radiation therapy after surgery
● Additional treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy if needed
Lumpectomy is generally a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks.
Possible complications include:
● Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
● Pain or tenderness in the breast
● Fluid buildup (seroma) in the surgical area
● Scarring or changes in breast shape
● Lymphedema if lymph nodes are removed
● Temporary numbness or nerve pain in the chest or arm.
In some cases, additional surgery may be required if cancer cells are found at the edge of the removed tissue.
A lumpectomy is surgery to remove a breast tumor along with a small amount of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.
No. A lumpectomy removes only the tumor and nearby tissue, while a mastectomy removes the entire breast.
The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, though preparation and recovery time may extend the hospital visit.
In many cases, radiation therapy is recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, although full healing may take longer.
There may be some changes in breast shape or a small scar, depending on how much tissue is removed.
Yes. Lumpectomy is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure when done by experienced surgeons.
