Who is a candidate?
Lumpectomy may be recommended for early-stage breast cancer, for some precancerous findings, and for benign lumps that need to be removed. For breast cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiation offers survival similar to mastectomy for many women with early-stage disease.
Whether lumpectomy is right for you depends on the size and location of the tumor, the size of the breast, imaging and biopsy results, and your preferences. Dr. Arsenous will discuss the options, including mastectomy, so you can decide together.
How it is done
If the area cannot be felt, a small marker or wire is placed beforehand under imaging guidance to guide the surgeon. The abnormal tissue is removed with a rim of normal tissue and sent to the pathologist. For cancer, lymph nodes under the arm may be sampled at the same time (sentinel lymph node biopsy).
Talk with Dr. Arsenous about your options.
Margins and results
The pathologist examines the edges of the removed tissue, called margins. Clear margins mean no abnormal cells were found at the edge. If cells are found at the margin, a second, smaller operation may be recommended to remove more tissue. Results are usually ready within about a week and are reviewed with you in person.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Wearing a supportive bra helps with comfort. Many people return to light activity within a few days and to work within one to two weeks. If lymph nodes were removed, you will receive arm exercises and guidance about swelling.