Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy, sometimes called partial mastectomy, is the removal of part of the breast and sometimes nearby lymph nodes, due to breast cancer. Lumpectomy is almost always followed by about six weeks of radiation therapy.

Parts of the Body Involved

Breast, and sometimes, lymph nodes

Reasons for Procedure

To treat breast cancer

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Obesity
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Recent or chronic illness
  • Use of certain medications or dietary supplements
  • Characteristics of the tumor to be removed; lumpectomy is not appropriate for multiple masses or single masses that are:
    • Very close to the nipple
    • Very large
    • Attached to the chest wall or other nearby structures
    • Growing very rapidly
  • Lumpectomy is not appropriate for women who cannot undergo follow-up radiation treatments because of:
    • Pregnancy
    • Collagen-vascular disorders (lupus, scleroderma)
    • Previous radiation therapy to the chest

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • Mammogram
  • Fine needle biopsy of the breast
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Possibly, wire-localization procedure

Outcome

The breast may change in size or shape after lumpectomy, and redness and swelling may occur with radiation therapy.

You'll see your doctor for a follow-up appointment within 7 to 14 days after the surgery.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Redness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, or hardness in the arm or hand on the side of the body where the lymph nodes were removed
  • New, unexplained symptoms
  • A lump or redness, swelling, or inflammation of the tissue of either breast
  • Drainage from either nipple