Breast Lumpectomy Guide: Reasons, Procedure, Recovery

Medically Reviewed By Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH

A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a cancerous or noncancerous breast tumor. A lumpectomy also includes removing a small amount of healthy breast tissue around a cancerous tumor. Doctors commonly use a lumpectomy to treat small, early-stage breast cancer tumors in females. Lumpectomy recovery goes smoothly for most people. Lumpectomy recovery time is about a month.

Your surgeon might also remove lymph nodes to test whether the cancer has spread.

Why is a lumpectomy performed?

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Your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy to treat breast cancer or remove a benign (noncancerous) breast tumor (fibroadenoma).

Your doctor may consider a lumpectomy if other treatment options that involve less risk of complications have been ineffective.

Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy

A lumpectomy conserves most of the breast tissue and generally keeps the shape and appearance of the breast. In contrast, a mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. 

In the case of breast cancer, a lumpectomy usually happens before a person starts radiation therapy.

How is a lumpectomy performed?

Your surgeon will make an incision in the breast and remove the lump.

If the tumor is cancerous, your surgeon will also remove some healthy breast tissue around the tumor and sample (biopsy) the nearby lymph nodes in your armpit for signs of cancer.

A pathologist will confirm that the tissue and lymph nodes do not contain cancer cells. If the pathologist finds cancer cells in the tissue, the surgeon will remove more breast tissue and lymph nodes.

What should I expect on the day of my lumpectomy?

On the day of your surgery, you can expect to:

  • Talk with a preoperative nurse: The nurse will perform an exam and ensure that all needed tests are in order. The nurse can also answer questions and ensure you understand and sign the surgical consent form.
  • Remove all clothing and jewelry and dress in a hospital gown: It’s a good idea to leave all jewelry and valuables at home or with a family member. Your care team will give you blankets for modesty and warmth.
  • Talk with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist: You will discuss your medical history and the type of anesthesia you will have.

A surgical team member will start an IV. A surgeon may use a wire or radioactive “seed” to help them locate the lump during surgery later. On the day, they may mark this spot with a felt tip marker.

For general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will start your anesthesia. Your surgeon may perform local anesthesia. 

A tube may be placed in your windpipe to protect and control breathing during general anesthesia. You will not feel or remember this or the surgery as they happen.

The surgical team will monitor your vital signs and other critical body functions. This occurs throughout the procedure and your recovery until you are alert, breathing effectively, and your vital signs are stable.

What are the risks and potential complications of a lumpectomy?

As with all surgeries, a lumpectomy involves risks and possible complications. Complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery.

General risks of surgery 

The general risks of surgery include: 

Potential complications of a lumpectomy

Complications of a lumpectomy are uncommon but include Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source :

  • damage to nearby organs, such as the lymph nodes and lungs
  • differences in breast sizes after a lump is removed
  • numbness of the affected breast that may or may not go away
  • opening or infection of the external incision

How do I prepare for my lumpectomy?

You can prepare for a lumpectomy by:

  • Answering all questions about your medical history and medications: This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins.
  • Getting preoperative testing as directed: Preoperative testing may include a mammogram, breast lump biopsy, chest X-ray, EKG, blood tests, and other necessary tests.
  • Losing excess weight before the surgery: If necessary, doctors may recommend a diet and exercise plan.
  • Not eating or drinking before surgery as directed: Your surgery may be canceled if you eat or drink too close to the start of surgery because you can choke on stomach contents during anesthesia.
  • Stopping smoking as soon as possible: Even quitting for just a few days can be beneficial and help the healing process.
  • Taking or stopping medications as directed: This may include not taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and blood thinners.

What can I expect after my lumpectomy?

Knowing what to expect can help make your road to recovery after a lumpectomy as smooth as possible. 

How long will it take to recover?

Most lumpectomies are outpatient procedures in which you go home on the day of surgery. In some cases, a brief hospital stay is required. Recovery time may depend on whether you have had a lymph node biopsy.

You will stay in the recovery room after surgery until you are alert, breathing effectively, and your vital signs are stable. You might have a sore throat if a tube was placed in your windpipe during surgery. This is usually temporary, but tell your care team if you are uncomfortable.

Recovery after surgery is a gradual process. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, type of anesthesia, your general health, age, and other factors. People can often resume daily activities within about 2 weeks Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source , though this can vary.

Will I feel pain?

Pain control is important for healing and a smooth recovery. You will have some soreness after your surgery. Your doctor will treat your pain so you are comfortable and can get the rest you need.

Call your doctor if your pain worsens or changes because it may be a sign of a complication.

How might a lumpectomy affect my everyday life?

A lumpectomy can help cure your noncancerous breast tumor or early-stage breast cancer. The treated breast sometimes varies in size or shape from the other breast. It will take some time to adjust to the new appearance of your breast.

More frequently asked questions about lumpectomy

Here are some frequently asked questions about lumpectomy surgery. Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, has reviewed the answers.

What stage of cancer is a lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy is usually Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source considered suitable for people with early-stage breast cancer. Most people will also need radiation therapy.

Is a lumpectomy a major surgery?

A lumpectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have more effective treatment options for your type and stage of breast cancer.

Does a lumpectomy mean cancer?

A lumpectomy can remove cancerous and noncancerous breast tissue, such as Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source fibroadenomas of the breast.

How long is a hospital stay for a lumpectomy?

Most people leave the hospital on the same day they have their lumpectomy. However, in some cases, a short hospital stay may be necessary.

Summary

A lumpectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have more effective treatment options for your type and stage of breast cancer. You may also have less invasive treatment options for noncancerous tumors.

A lumpectomy for breast cancer is combined with radiation treatment. Hormone treatment or chemotherapy or both may also be recommended.  

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  1. Admoun, C., et al. (2021). Choosing mastectomy vs. lumpectomy-with-radiation: Experiences of breast cancer survivors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8555933/
  2. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). (2021). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/breast-conserving-surgery-lumpectomy.html
  3. Fibroadenomas of the breast. (2022). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/fibroadenomas-of-the-breast.html
  4. Lumpectomy. (n.d.). https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/breast/treatment/lumpectomy
  5. Lumpectomy. (n.d.). https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/lumpectomy
  6. Surgery choices for women with DCIS or breast cancer. (2022). https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/surgery-choices
  7. Conner, K. (2022). What to expect with lumpectomy. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy/what-to-expect

Medical Reviewer: Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Last Review Date: 2022 Oct 29
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