An overview of Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast. It is also known as breast-conserving surgery or wide local excision. The procedure involves removing the cancerous or abnormal tissue along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to remove the abnormal tissue while maintaining the appearance of the breast. Lumpectomy is typically followed by radiation therapy to reduce the chances of cancer returning.
What is Lumpectomy used for?
A lumpectomy is used for the removal of cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast, while maintaining the appearance of the breast. It is a breast-conserving surgery and is typically followed by radiation therapy to reduce the chances of cancer returning. It is a treatment option for early-stage breast cancer and can also be used to remove certain noncancerous or precancerous breast abnormalities.
How to prepare for Lumpectomy?
Before a lumpectomy, patients should prepare by following these steps:
- Meet with the surgeon: Schedule a meeting with your surgeon a few days before the surgery to discuss the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Prepare a list of questions: Create a list of questions to ensure that you cover everything you want to know about the procedure, its risks, and what to expect during recovery.
- Understand the procedure: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the lumpectomy procedure, including the localization process, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and axillary lymph node dissection.
- Follow pre-surgical restrictions: Your doctor will provide you with instructions on any pre-surgical restrictions, such as stopping certain medications or supplements that may interfere with the surgery.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medication: You may need to stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication a week or more before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. By following these preparations, patients can ensure they are adequately prepared for their lumpectomy procedure.
How is Lumpectomy conducted?
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast. The procedure itself involves locating the area with the abnormality using imaging tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds, and then removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue. The surgeon inserts a wire, needle, or small radioactive seed into the area to guide them during surgery. A lumpectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and after the procedure, the surgeon will close the incisions to preserve the appearance of the breast. Recovery usually takes place in a recovery room where vital signs are monitored.
How are Lumpectomy results reported?
Lumpectomy results are typically reported to patients during a follow-up appointment with their doctor, which usually takes place seven to 14 days after the surgery. The doctor will explain the results and discuss any further treatment recommendations, such as meeting with a surgeon for additional surgery, a medical oncologist for other forms of treatment, or a radiation oncologist for radiation therapy. If necessary, patients may also be referred to a counselor or support group for assistance in coping with breast cancer.
Understanding the report
After a lumpectomy procedure, the results are typically interpreted by your doctor during a follow-up appointment, which usually takes place seven to 14 days after the surgery. During this appointment, your doctor will explain the results and discuss any further treatment options or recommendations.
The interpretation of lumpectomy results focuses on whether all of the cancerous or abnormal tissue has been successfully removed. If the margins around the tumor are cancer-free, it is considered a successful surgery. If there are cancerous cells found at the edges of the removed tissue, it might require additional surgery to ensure all the cancerous tissue is removed.
Your doctor may also recommend further treatment options, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the specifics of your case. Additionally, they may refer you to other specialists, like a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or a counselor/support group, to address any additional concerns or needs related to your recovery and ongoing care.
Limitations and Considerations
There are several limitations to the lumpectomy procedure, including:
- Size and location of the tumor: If the tumor is too large or located in a difficult-to-reach area, it may be challenging to perform a lumpectomy successfully.
- Previous radiation therapy: Women who have had previous radiation therapy to the same breast may not be candidates for lumpectomy, as radiation therapy can increase the risk of complications and reduce the effectiveness of the procedure.
- Multiple tumors: If there are two or more tumors in different quadrants of the breast, it may be difficult to remove all of the cancerous tissue with a single lumpectomy, potentially affecting the cosmetic outcome.
- Large tumors and small breasts: Lumpectomy may not be the best option for individuals with large tumors and smaller breasts, as it can result in a poor cosmetic outcome.
- Inaccessibility to radiation therapy: If a patient does not have access to radiation therapy after the lumpectomy, the risk of cancer returning may be higher.
- History of systemic lupus erythematosus: Women with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus may experience worsening of their condition after radiation therapy, making lumpectomy a less suitable option. It is essential to discuss your specific situation and the potential limitations of the lumpectomy procedure with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.