Breast Lump (Lumpectomy)

Breast Lump (Lumpectomy)

Breast Lump (Lumpectomy) –

Breast lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to remove a breast tumor or a portion of the breast tissue while preserving the majority of the breast.
Tumor removal: The surgeon carefully removes the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to achieve clear margins, which means that there are no cancer cells remaining at the edges of the removed tissue. In some cases, a wire or radioactive seed may be inserted into the breast before surgery to help guide the surgeon to the tumor’s exact location.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (optional): If the tumor is found to be invasive, the surgeon may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy during the lumpectomy. This involves identifying and removing the first few lymph nodes to which the cancer is most likely to spread. These lymph nodes are then evaluated for the presence of cancer cells.

Post-surgery care and recovery after breast lumpectomy will vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the procedure. Most patients can go home the same day or the day after surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage post-operative discomfort. The patient may be advised to wear a supportive bra and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time. The surgeon will provide instructions for wound care, follow-up appointments, and any additional treatments, such as radiation therapy, that may be recommended.
Breast lumpectomy is often followed by radiation therapy to the remaining breast tissue to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Sometimes, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy may be recommended based on the characteristics of the tumor and other factors.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with breast lumpectomy, including infection, bleeding, seroma (fluid accumulation), changes in breast appearance, scar formation, breast pain, and psychological impact.

Syptoms:

1. Finding a lump in the breast can be a concerning discovery, but it’s important to remember that not all breast lumps are cancerous.
2. In addition to feeling a lump, other signs and symptoms associated with breast abnormalities may include:
3. Breast pain or tenderness
4. Changes in breast size or shape
5. Skin changes, such as dimpling, redness, or puckering
6. Nipple changes, such as inversion, discharge, or scaling
7. Cervical, Axillary, Inguinal Lymphadenopathy – enlargement or swelling of lymph nodes. Lymph nodes contain immune cells that help filter and fight infections or other foreign substances.
8. Enlarged and palpable lymph nodes, which can be tender or painful to the touch.
9. Swelling or lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin areas.
10. Redness or warmth over the enlarged lymph nodes.
11. Generalized symptoms like fever, fatigue, night sweats, or weight loss, depending on the underlying cause.