Lumpectomy
Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
A lumpectomy is a type of breast surgery that removes the tumor along with a small rim of healthy tissue while keeping most of your breast intact. It’s sometimes called breast-conserving surgery because the goal is to treat the cancer without removing the entire breast.
What to Expect from a Lumpectomy
During surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision — usually around 3 to 4 centimeters — to remove the tumor. The incision may be made directly over the tumor, around the areola, under the breast, or in the armpit. Your surgeon will always prioritize what’s best for treating your cancer, while also considering cosmetic outcomes whenever possible.
Although surgery can feel overwhelming, it may help to know that lumpectomies are generally safe and quick, often lasting less than an hour.
How This Differs From a Mastectomy
The main difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy is how much tissue is removed. A lumpectomy keeps most of the breast intact, while a mastectomy removes the entire breast.
If your cancer is located in one specific area of the breast, a lumpectomy may be an effective option. For the right candidates, it can be just as effective as a mastectomy in treating cancer.
Is a Lumpectomy Right for You?
Several factors help determine whether a lumpectomy is a good fit:
Tumor Size and Breast Size
Smaller tumors in larger breasts tend to be better suited for lumpectomy. If the tumor is large relative to the breast, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy first — or suggest a mastectomy instead.
Tumor Location
Where the tumor is located can affect the cosmetic outcome and impact the surgeon’s recommendation for surgery.
Family History and Genetics
Your doctor will also consider your family history and genetic risk factors.
Your Preference
You have a voice in your treatment plan. Your care team will give recommendations based on your health and diagnosis, while also considering your goals, values, and feelings.
What to Know Before a Lumpectomy
- The amount of breast tissue removed during surgery can vary based on several factors — including where the tumor is located, how big it is, and the overall size of your breast.
- Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) — often called a lumpectomy — is a way to remove the cancer while keeping most of your breast. It’s important to know that radiation therapy is typically recommended afterward to help lower the risk of cancer returning. Learn more about what to expect from radiation therapy.
- In addition to surgery and radiation, your care team may recommend other treatments depending on your diagnosis. Explore treatment options beyond surgery, such as endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.
- If you’re thinking about breast reconstruction, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your doctor before surgery. This allows you to fully understand if you qualify and what your choices are so you can make a plan that supports your body and your preferences.
- After surgery, some people may experience:
- Pain or soreness near the incision
- A small scar or indentation where the tumor was removed
- Firmness or changes in the feel of the surgical site
- Swelling in the breast
Radiation After Lumpectomy
Most people who have a lumpectomy will also receive radiation afterward. Radiation helps reduce the risk of cancer coming back in the same breast. Visit the Radiation section for more information on that treatment type.
