Lumpectomy: What to Expect Before, During, and After

A lumpectomy is a type of breast surgery where only the tumor or lump is removed from the breast, along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure is often performed when lumpectomy breast cancer is detected but hasn't spread extensively. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after a lumpectomy.

Before the Surgery:

• Pre-Surgery Appointment: You’ll have a consultation with your surgeon, where they’ll explain the procedure, discuss the risks and benefits, and answer any questions.

• Imaging and Biopsy Results: Before the surgery, you might undergo imaging tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs. If a biopsy hasn't already been done, a pre-surgical biopsy may be performed to confirm the nature of the tumor.

• Anesthesia Discussion: The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure. You will meet with the anesthesia team to discuss any medical conditions or allergies.

• Preparation: You may be asked to fast for several hours before the surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications you should or shouldn’t take in the days leading up to the surgery.

During the Surgery:

• Sedation: The procedure typically lasts around one to two hours. You’ll be under general anesthesia throughout, so you won’t feel anything.

• Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in the breast to remove the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: In many cases, your surgeon may also remove one or more lymph nodes from under the arm (axilla) to check for any spread of cancer cells. This is often done if there's a concern that cancer may have spread beyond the tumor.

• Pathology: After the tumor is removed, it will be sent to a laboratory for examination to ensure that the tumor has been fully excised and that there’s no cancer left in the surrounding tissue.

After the Surgery:

• Recovery Room: You’ll be monitored for a short time in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience grogginess or mild discomfort.

• Pain Management: Mild to moderate pain is common after the surgery, but your doctor will provide medications to manage pain. You might experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the breast area.

• Drain Placement: Sometimes, a small drain may be placed under the skin to remove excess fluid and prevent swelling. The drain is usually removed within a few days.

• Hospital Stay: Most women go home the same day, but in some cases, you may stay overnight for observation.

• Activity Limitations: You'll need to limit physical activity and avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Follow your surgeon's guidance on when to resume normal activities.

Follow-Up:

• Follow-Up Appointments: After your surgery, you'll have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and to discuss the pathology results. The surgeon will discuss whether additional treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy are necessary.

• Radiation Therapy: For many women, radiation therapy is recommended after a lumpectomy to help destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast tissue.

• Emotional Impact: Breast cancer treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. It’s important to reach out for support from loved ones or a counselor to help with emotional recovery.

Long-Term Outlook:

• Scarring: The scar left by the incision is usually small, but it may take several months to fully heal. Over time, the scar tends to fade, but it may remain visible.

• Breast Appearance: While lumpectomy preserves most of the breast tissue, there may be a change in breast shape or size. In some cases, reconstructive surgery is an option if you want to improve the appearance of the breast after the tumor removal.

• Follow-Up Imaging: Ongoing breast exams and imaging tests (like mammograms) are important for monitoring your recovery and detecting any potential recurrence of cancer.