What Is A Lumpectomy? (What To Expect)
A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a cancerous or noncancerous breast tumor; without totally changing the appearance or removing your breast. Other names for a lumpectomy are breast-sparing surgery, breast-conserving surgery, or partial mastectomy.
When your doctor recommends a lumpectomy, it means that your biopsy shows early stages of cancer or noncancerous breast tissue that appears abnormal. Once the tumor is removed, it is tested to determine if it’s cancerous, and if so, the tumor is examined to set a guideline for treatment plan options.
How To Prepare
Usually, you will have a pre-operational (pre-op) appointment a few days before your lumpectomy procedure. This is the best time to bring a list of any questions or concerns you may have regarding your surgical procedure.
During the pre-op appointment, let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you are currently taking to avoid interfering with the surgery.
You will be given specific instructions about the procedure and the pre-surgical restrictions. To prepare, it is recommended you do the following:
Avoid food and drink 8 to 12 hours before surgery.
Avoid taking aspirin or any blood-thinning medications. You may be asked to stop taking it at least a week or more before the surgical procedure to reduce the risk of increased bleeding. If you don’t, it may cause your surgery to be rescheduled.
Check with your health insurance provider to understand what is covered, and if any, what out-of-pocket charges you may have to pay.
Arrange to have someone with you. Another person can offer support, as well as drive you home and listen to the post-op instructions. It may take several hours for the general anesthesia to wear off.
Wear comfortable clothing. You will be in a surgical gown for the procedure, but to wear back home, consider wearing loose clothing, with a button-up shirt to avoid having to raise your arms after surgery, and a soft, supportive bra, such as a sports bra.
The lumpectomy is usually an outpatient procedure, which usually means you will be able to go home the same day.
What To Expect
The lumpectomy surgical procedure is performed by a surgical oncologist that specializes in cancer surgery. Your procedure will begin with a doctor using imaging tests to locate the area of your breast that has the tumor and inserts a thin wire. The oncologist performing the surgery uses this as a map to find the area to be removed.
The lymph nodes near your armpit may be removed to test whether cancer has spread. The surgery to remove a few lymph nodes is usually recommended for early-stage breast cancer.
During The Surgical Procedure
A lumpectomy procedure is performed using general anesthesia, which puts you into a lightly sedated state.
Your surgical oncologist will make an incision over the area containing the wire and remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue to send to the lab for testing. The incision usually contours your breast for proper healing.
The surgeon will then use stitches or sutures to close the incision. Your stitches will either dissolve or be removed by your doctor. Thin adhesive strips may also be placed on the incision by your surgeon to help keep the incisions closed until it heals.
After The Surgical Procedure
You will be moved to a recovery room and monitored until the anesthesia wears off. If you are going home the same day, you will be given post-op instructions. If you are staying overnight, you will be moved into a hospital room.
Before leaving, be sure to understand how to take any prescription medications and who to call if any problems or concerns arise.
The first few days, you will feel the most pain and soreness, and the pain should start easing up slowly after that. Be sure to take care of your incision as directed by your doctor.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor, usually 7 to 14 days after your surgery, and at that time, your doctor will go over your results.
Schedule Your Next Appointment with Dr. Gore today!
If you have concerns and questions regarding a lumpectomy, schedule your appointment with Dr. Gore by contacting North Atlanta Breast Care.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitution for seeking medical attention.