Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer today, being a cause of great concern for women. This is due to its high frequency, its consequences in the cases in which it progresses, and the implications that surgery has since it often means totally or partially eliminating the affected breast, which has both aesthetic and psychological consequences for women.
To respond to this problem, there is a procedure in which, in the cases in which it may be indicated, the removal of the tissue is only limited to the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue, which allows for to preservation of a large amount of breast tissue. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain everything you need to know about lumpectomy: what it is and recovery so that you know everything about this alternative.
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Lumpectomy: definition
Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure by which a tumor located in the mammary glands is removed, distinguished by being a conservative procedure, which completely removes the affected tissue and only partially removes some of the surrounding healthy tissue preserving as much as possible. Unlike a mastectomy in which the entire breast is removed, a lumpectomy can protect much of the breast that has not been affected by the tumor. It is a procedure with certain advantages, such as a more favorable aesthetic result and less removal of healthy tissue, having a success and recurrence rate similar to that of mastectomy.
In which cases can a lumpectomy be done?
Lumpectomy is not a procedure that all people with breast cancer can perform, as certain conditions must be met to carry out this operation.
First, a lumpectomy is done to remove small, well-located tumors. A mastectomy is almost always more favorable for more widespread or multiple-focus lesions.
After lumpectomy, radiation therapy sessions that last 5 to 7 weeks are almost always necessary to kill abnormal cells completely. If for any reason, you cannot receive radiotherapy or cannot travel to the medical center daily, a lumpectomy would not be an indicated procedure for you.
When the aesthetics of the breasts are important to you, a lumpectomy can be considered by preserving more breast tissue. It is easier to perform the aesthetic procedures that follow the removal.
The recurrence rate of tumors is slightly higher when removed by lumpectomy, so in more severe cases or when you want to feel more confident that the lesion will not reappear, a mastectomy is preferable. Similarly, a mastectomy should be chosen as a second procedure when a lumpectomy is performed, and the tumor reappears.
Lumpectomy recovery
When the tumor recession surgical procedure is finished, the first night will be spent in the recovery room of the medical center where you were treated to monitor your vital signs, the effects of anesthesia and analyze the evolution of the procedure during the first hours, which they are always the most delicate.
After this, the doctor will indicate pain medications and antibacterials and send you home with bandages in the area, removed after one or two weeks in the first post-operative consultation, and possibly the sutures and tubes drained.
If the doctor leaves you the drainage tube, you must maintain the hygiene of the area with sponges and the sutures.
During the following weeks, you must rest as much as possible to avoid pain and any repercussions of an inappropriate movement.
There may be a mixture of pain and numbness in the armpit region, for which it is recommended to use the pain relievers indicated by your doctor.
A sports bra during day and night to reduce movements that may cause pain. It is a good idea to sleep on the opposite side of the surgery, supporting your breast with a pillow for support.
The doctor will indicate arm movement exercises to avoid arm and shoulder stiffness, which you should generally perform from the next day after surgery.
The most important thing of all is that you comply with the post-operative visits with your doctor since he is the one who will best tell you how well your recovery is going and what you should do.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lumpectomy: what it is and recovery, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.