Lumpectomy is a surgical removal of a discrete portion or "lump" of breast, usually in the treatment of malignant tumor or breast cancer. It is considered a viable breast conservation therapy, as the amount of tissue removed is limited compared to a full-breast mastectomy, and thus may have physical and emotional advantages over more disfiguring treatment. Sometimes a lumpectomy may be used to either confirm or rule out that cancer has actually been detected. A lumpectomy is usually recommended to patients who have detected their cancer early on and do not have enlarged tumours.
A lumpectomy is done under local or general anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. Small metallic clips may be placed inside the breast to mark the area for the radiotherapist to treat. Lymph nodes are often examined at the same time as the breast tissue is removed, either by extending the incision to the armpit or by a separate small incision under the arm. Often, a blue dye or a small amount of radioactive material will be injected around the nipple area. These markers are taken up by the lymph nodes and help to identify which lymph nodes to remove (sentinel lymph node biopsy). The tissue that is removed from the breast is sent to the pathology laboratory where tests are done to identify the type of tumor, whether lymph nodes are involved by tumour, and to assess the tumour for hormone sensitivity (estrogen and progesterone receptors). In addition, other specialized tests that determine prognosis and treatment, such as Her-2 neu, and oncotyping may also be performed. It may take several days to identify the type of tumour and receive the results of the specialized tests.
Breast lump removal is performed to prevent a cancerous tumour from spreading to other parts of the body. Whether a doctor can perform a lumpectomy depends on the size and stage of the tumour and certain patient characteristics such as the size of the breast. Many doctors prefer this method over a mastectomy. A lumpectomy is less invasive that the entire removal of the breast. In a lumpectomy, a doctor takes a part of the breast, which leaves much of the breast’s appearance and sensations intact. This allows for better breast symmetry. But there might be need for radiation or chemotherapy following a lumpectomy to ensure all cancer cells have been destroyed.
Like all surgeries, lumpectomy carries certain risks:
· Loss of sensation: There is usually some numbness and loss of sensation in part of the breast after lumpectomy, depending on the size of the lump removed. Some or most of this ability to feel can return.
· Breasts that don’t match exactly: The breasts may not match precisely in size and shape after surgery. This is because removing breast tissue during surgery usually makes the affected breast appear smaller. It might not be noticed right away, because swelling in response to surgery may make the breast appear temporarily larger.
REFERENCES
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpectomy
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12962-lumpectomy/procedure-details
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-lump-removal#purpose
4. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy/risks