Surgery Overview
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer
and surrounding tissue. The goal is to take just enough tissue so that the
breast looks as normal as possible after the surgery but the chance of the
cancer coming back is low.
The size and location of tumors differs
from one person to another, so the amount of tissue removed during surgery also
varies. To make it simple, you can think of two general breast-conserving
surgeries: a lumpectomy and a partial mastectomy.
is the surgical removal of the breast lump
and some of the tissue around it. The lump is removed in one piece and sent to
the lab for examination.
Partial mastectomy is more extensive. It
is the removal of the area of the breast that contains cancer, some of the
breast tissue around the tumor, and the lining over the chest muscles below the
tumor. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm are also taken out. A
sentinel lymph node biopsy removes just a few lymph
nodes to be examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If cancer is
found in those lymph nodes, more lymph nodes will be removed. If the tests done
before your surgery suggest that there is cancer in the lymph nodes near the
breast, several lymph nodes will be taken out during your surgery. This is
called an axillary lymph node dissection.
Most people who have
breast-conserving surgery also have
. You may also have
,
, or both.
What To Expect After Surgery
A lumpectomy can be done with
if you are not having lymph nodes
removed. If you are having lymph nodes removed or are having a partial
mastectomy, you will have
.
After your surgery,
you will be taken to a recovery room. A nurse will be able to help with any
nausea, pain, or anxiety you might have.
Many people go home the
day of the surgery, but you may stay in the hospital for a day or two. Your
doctor or nurse will give you instructions on pain control and caring for the
surgical wound. Typically, you can remove the bandage and take a shower on the
day after surgery. You can wear a bra if it is comfortable. Some doctors
recommend wearing a bra day and night for a few days for support.