Lumpectomy: identify the procedure and its risks

Surgery or surgery is one type of treatment that is often performed for breast cancer patients. Apart from mastectomy, breast conserving surgery or lumpectomy is another surgical option that doctors often recommend. Then, how is this surgical procedure done? Here is complete information about lumpectomy that you need to know.

What is a lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a tumor or tissue in the breast that is affected by cancer. This procedure is also often referred to as breast conserving surgery

Unlike a mastectomy, this surgery only removes an area of ​​abnormal tissue and some of the normal tissue that surrounds it. As for healthy breast tissue, as much as possible is maintained.

The amount of tissue removed during a lumpectomy depends on the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the size of your breasts, and other factors. The larger the part of the breast that is removed, the more likely it is that the shape of your breast will change.

Therefore, after this operation is done, you may need breast reconstruction surgery to restore your breasts to their normal appearance. Talk to your doctor about the type of breast cancer treatment that is right for you.

Who needs to do a lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that is generally performed on patients with early stage breast cancer, with a single tumor that is small or medium in size.

However, most patients who undergo lumpectomy will need radiotherapy for breast cancer after surgery, to reduce the chances of the cancer cells coming back. Therefore, this surgical procedure is not recommended in patients who have already undergone radiotherapy or cannot undergo radiotherapy because of their condition.

In addition, lumpectomy cannot be performed in patients with certain conditions. Quoted from the American Cancer Society, the following patients are generally recommended for breast conservation surgery:

• Very worried about losing breasts when having a mastectomy.
• Willing and able to undergo radiation therapy.
• Have never had breast care with radiation therapy or lumpectomy.
• Having only one cancerous area in the breast or several areas close enough to be removed at the same time.
• There is a tumor smaller than 5 cm and relatively small in comparison to the size of the breast.
• Not pregnant. If pregnant, radiation therapy will not be carried out immediately because it can harm the fetus.
• Have no genetic factors, such as a BRCA mutation that can increase your chances of developing a second breast cancer.
• Do not have serious connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma or lupus.
• Do not suffer from inflammatory or inflammatory types of breast cancer.

Things that must be considered before lumpectomy surgery

Before breast conserving surgery is performed, the doctor will provide information about what you need to know about this surgical process, including what you should not do. In general, here are the things you should pay attention to before having lumpectomy surgery:

• Tell your doctor about any medications, including vitamins or supplements, you are taking.
• Stop taking aspirin or blood thinners a week before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Do not eat or drink before surgery, for at least 8-12 hours.

How is the lumpectomy surgery process?

Before surgery, the doctor will mark the area of ​​abnormal tissue that will be operated on. If the size of the area or tumor is too small, the doctor will detect it with the help of a mammogram or breast biopsy.

In this operation, generally the patient will receive anesthesia or general anesthesia, so you will not be conscious during the operation. However, some patients can only receive local anesthesia. Consult with your doctor about the type of anesthesia you need to get.

During the operation, the doctor will dissect the tissue that needs to be removed and take it to the laboratory for analysis.

The doctor may also remove the lymph nodes around the breast, such as in the armpit, to see if cancer cells have spread. The operation to remove lymph nodes that can be carried out can be axillary node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy.

After the removal of the tissue, sometimes a rubber tube (called a drain) will be inserted into the breast or armpit area to collect excess fluid. This fluid can build up in the area where the tumor was removed.

The liquid will then be sucked in and removed. Then, the surgeon will cover the area with stitches.

A lumpectomy is a treatment that can be done on an outpatient basis. However, if you also had lymph nodes removed, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, especially if you experience pain or bleeding.

What happens after a lumpectomy?

After a lumpectomy, the next step that will be taken is transferring the patient to the recovery room. The patient will also be given instructions after performing the operation, such as changing the bandage, managing the drain for the patient, and signs of possible infection.

Pay attention to the recovery period

During the recovery period at home, it is recommended that you do the following things that can help speed up your recovery period:

• Get enough rest.
• Take medication as prescribed by your doctor and drink plenty of water.
• When bathing, try to keep the surgical scar dry. You can use a bath sponge to prevent the affected area from getting wet.
• Use a special bra for sports during the day and night until the wound is healed.
• Doing arm exercises.

Pain and numbness in the area of ​​the surgery is normal. However, if the pain does not go away or is severe, still consult a doctor.

Possible removal of the cancer cells or re-excision

After surgery, the tumor and tissue that has been removed will be sent to the pathologist for examination. It usually takes one week to get results from research on the tumor and tissue that has been removed.

After research, sometimes cancer cells are still found around the breast. If there is still cancer cell tissue left, the doctor will remove the breast cancer with a larger size so that the cancer cells can be completely removed. This process of removing the cancer cells is called re-excision.

Discomfort or itching occurs

As the nerves grow back, you may experience strange sensations, such as itching and sensitivity to touch. However, the discomfort can go away on its own, it can also last. However, over time you may get used to it.

Acetaminophen or an NSAID drug, such as ibuprofen, can usually manage the pain associated with this type of nerve injury. Opioids can also be used to treat this pain.

What are the possible risks of lumpectomy?

Some of the risks and side effects of lumpectomy surgery that may occur are:

• Changes in the shape and appearance of the breast, especially if the tissue removed is large enough.
• Pain or a pulling sensation in the breast area.
• Temporary swelling of the breast.
• Scar tissue or the formation of a dent in the area of ​​the surgery.
• Nerve pain or burning in the chest wall, armpits, and / or arms.
• Numbness in the breast.
• If the lymph nodes are removed, lymphedema may occur.
• Bloody.
• Infection.

Although it has several risks and side effects, lumpectomy is useful for increasing patient life expectancy, even for healing. Thus, you can prevent breast cancer from getting worse in you.

But it is important to remember, always consult with your doctor about the type of treatment that is right for your condition, including the advantages and disadvantages.