Lumpectomy commonly referred to as breast-conserving surgery is one of the standard surgical procedures performed on individuals who have cancerous or abnormal tissues in the breast. This procedure involves removing the said tissues while conserving as much breast tissue as possible. In most cases, this is the treatment preferred by a woman interested in keeping her usual appearance and shape of the breast after an operation. Here is a detailed look at what it is, what it involves, and the risks and recovery one has to go through.

Purpose of Lumpectomy

The primary objective of the lumpectomy is to remove malignant (cancerous) or suspicious regions within the breast. This is usually recommended for patients with early-stage breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or other benign but problematic breast conditions like fibroadenomas. The procedure aims to excise the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This is done to remove the entire cancerous tumour and minimise the chance of recurrence. Still, the typical structure of the breast is maintained. However, in most cases, radiation therapy is given after lumpectomy. This is done to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Such a measure dramatically minimises the probability of the return of cancer.

Pre-operative Preparation Procedure

Before the lumpectomy is performed, the patient will undergo several tests to precisely and accurately detect the tumour, its location, and size. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. There is always a pre-operative visit from the health care team, during which the patient discusses the procedure, possible anaesthesia used, potential allergies, or any medical conditions with their surgeons.

The Surgery

A lumpectomy is usually performed with a general anaesthetic. The procedure length can vary, typically about an hour to two hours. Below are the general steps involved in performing a lumpectomy:

Incision - An incision is made over the lump or tumour. Where the incision is placed, as well as the length of the cut, will vary depending on the cancer's location and the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.
Tumour Excision - The doctor removes the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This margin is also sent to the laboratory to check that no cancer cells are at the edge, meaning some cancer might be left behind.
Lymph Node Biopsy—The surgeon may also conduct a sentinel lymph node biopsy or an axillary lymph node dissection to determine whether there has been a spread into the lymph nodes.
Closure—After excising the tumour and the necessary tissue, the surgeon must close the incision with sutures or surgical glue. Sometimes, a drain may be placed to remove extra fluids after surgery.

Post-Operative Care

Immediately following surgery, the patients are taken to recover until the effects of the anaesthetic wear off. In most of these operations, the patient may be discharged on the same day, but in a few, an overnight stay may be provided for observation.

Risks and Complications

As with all surgeries, lumpectomy has its share of risks and potential complications. These include:

Infection - An infection at the incision site is always a potential risk. The patient should keep the area clean and dry and follow all care instructions from their doctor closely.
Bleeding - Expect some bleeding and bruising, but if it is too much, get medical attention right away.
Pain and Discomfort—Normal amounts of pain and tenderness after surgery are expected. Pain-relief medication can control this discomfort.
Scarring - The amount of scarring depends upon the size of the incision and personal ways of healing.
Changes in Breast Shape—Tissue removal can change the shape and size of the breast. At times, patients may turn to reconstructive surgery to correct such changes.

Lymphoedema

After removing lymph nodes, a patient can suffer from this condition, characterised by fluid accumulating in the arm and consequent swelling.

Recovery from Lumpectomy

The recovery after a lumpectomy can vary for different patients but usually over a few weeks.

Essential Points in the Recovery

Immediate postoperative period - Rest is essential over the first few days after surgery. Patients should decrease physical activity and avoid lifting heavy objects. The medications prescribed can control pain and discomfort, and surgical drains left in place during the operation are usually removed within a week.
Follow-Up Appointments - Patients will be seen in follow-up to monitor healing and discuss pathology results of the excised tissue. These appointments are also used to schedule any necessary follow-up treatments, including radiation therapy, which usually begins within weeks of the surgery.
Long-Term Recovery - Most patients can return to regular activities in a few weeks. Still, it should not lift heavy objects or do strenuous exercise until they get clearance from the doctor. Patients also need to continue with breast self-exams and obtain mammograms regularly to look for any recurrence of the cancer.
Emotional and Psychological Support - A lumpectomy can be emotionally challenging for the patient. Almost every patient seeks counselling services through support groups or mental health professionals. Speaking with people in a similar situation is also helpful for the patient.

Conclusion

A lumpectomy is a life-saving procedure for many women diagnosed with breast cancer in its early stage or other breast conditions. As with any medical procedure, a lumpectomy does not come without risks. However, the benefits of saving breast tissue and receiving proper cancer care are significant. Many patients who receive appropriate medical care and social support can find their way through the healing process and resettle into their lives, often with good outcomes. A lumpectomy is done for many reasons. Through understanding why, what to expect, possible risks, and recovery associated with lumpectomies, one can go through treatment well-prepared, with information and mentally strong.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumpectomy/about/pac-20394650
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/12962-lumpectomy