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Breast lump removal - Recovery

Alternative Names

Lumpectomy; Wide local excision; Excisional biopsy

Expectations after surgery:

The outcome of a lumpectomy depends on the type of lump found and whether or not it is cancerous.

A lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy to the breast usually results in the same long-term survival as a mastectomy, depending on the type and extent of breast cancer.

After mastectomy, some women choose to have a surgical reconstruction of the breast. Lumpectomy typically does not require breast reconstruction.

Convalescence:

The recovery period is very short for a simple lumpectomy. Most women are able to resume their usual activities in a week or so.

When cancer is found, follow-up treatment will be scheduled.

Female Breast

Needle biopsy of the breast

Open biopsy of the breast

Breast self-exam

Breast lumps

Lumpectomy

Causes of breast lumps

Breast lump removal - series

Reviewed last on: 6/26/2008
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Iglehart JK, Smith BL. Diseases of the Breast. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed. St. Louis, M0: WB Saunders; 2008: chap. 34.

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