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Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy is a surgical treatment method for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is breast-conserving surgery since the surgeon removes only that part of your breast that contains the tumor (the "lump") and some of the normal marginal tissue that surrounds it. If cancer cells are found in the margins, additional surgery (called re-excision) is required. Most women receive five to seven weeks of radiation therapy after lumpectomy, in order to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
The combination of lumpectomy and radiation is commonly called breast-conservation therapy.
Why lumpectomy?
Lumpectomy is a breakthrough surgical procedure for early stage breast cancer with around 50% of women suitable. The location, size, and type of tumor are of importance when considering breast cancer surgery options. Experts agree that since survival rates are equivalent to masectomy, lumpectomy followed by radiation is the preferable treatment for most women with early-stage cancer. Many women have an unrealistic fear of the risk of recurrence in the same breast after lumpectomy. For women who have had lumpectomy with clear margins, followed by radiation, the average risk of recurrence is between 10-15 percent. Turn that number around: they have 85-90 percent chance of not getting cancer again in the breast.
How does lumpectomy take place:-
A small cut is made and the lump along with surrounding breast tissue is removed. A second incision may be made under the arm to remove some of the nearby axillary lymph nodes. These are checked to see if the cancer has spread to them.
The cut(s) are then closed with stitches. If case of a full axillary node dissection, a drain will be left in the cut of the armpit for a few days. The length of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. Small tumors near the skin take less than an hour, while large ones may take a few hours.
Post surgery precautions:-
- Do not lift anything heavy. Restrain doing repetitive movements (like ironing or vacuuming) with the affected side for at least 4-6 weeks. Even then, gradually increase the weight you are lifting.
- Do not swim or play sports until your scar has healed - about 4-6 weeks.
- Women should wear a well-fitting support bra both day and night for approximately one week after surgery.
- Protect your hand and arm from infection. Wear gloves to garden or handle garbage.
- Keep the fluids moving in your operated arm. Do not wear tight sleeves, bracelets, wristwatches or rings on that arm.
- Do exercises to stop swelling and improve circulation. For instance, try squeezing a rubber ball with your hand for a few minutes a day.
Risks associated with lumpectomy:-
- There is usually a loss of sensation in the breast, depending on the size of the lump removed. Some or most of this ability to feel gradually returns.
- After surgery, both the breasts may mismatch in size and shape.
- Seroma - a collection of fluid under the arm occurring about five days after surgery. It is likely to go way in a few weeks or else needs to be drained by doctor.
- Lymphedema - is a swelling of the arm when the normal flow of fluid is reduced.
- The cancer may recur, although radiation therapy does reduce the risk of recurrence.
Make sure you understand the in and out of lumpectomy before you decide to go ahead with it.