Why is this procedure done?
Lumpectomy is the removal of a lump from your breast. The doctor removes only a part of the breast. The lab tests the lump to see if it is cancer. Your doctor will also take a small portion of healthy tissue around the lump. This is to make sure that all cancer or other abnormal tissue is removed. It is part of a treatment for early stage breast cancer. ‚
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What will the results be?
The doctor removes the lump and other tissue from your breast. The tissue and breast cells will be looked at in the lab. Ask your doctor when you can get the results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OCT) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- A manual breast exam
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make a small cut in the area where the lump is located.
- Your doctor will remove the lump. The doctor may also take some healthy tissue from around the lump. Lymph nodes may also be cut out to be checked. Your doctor may place a tube to drain extra fluid.
- The cut will be closed with stitches and covered with clean bandages.
- The procedure may take 1 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may be able to go home later that day.
- You may feel pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for this.
- The tissue will be tested at a lab. Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Cancer may come back
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-treating-surgery ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-surgery ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚