Lumpectomy: the complete step-by-step patient guide

A lumpectomy is an operation that removes the breast cancer along with a thin rim of healthy tissue around it, while keeping the rest of your breast. It is also called breast-conserving surgery or wide local excision. For most women it is one part of a wider plan that usually includes radiotherapy afterwards, and sometimes chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted treatment. The journey starts with tests and a planning visit, where your surgeon examines you, reviews your scans and biopsy, and explains the operation. If the lump cannot be felt easily, a marker such as a fine wire, a tiny seed or a clip is placed beforehand so the surgeon can find it precisely. On the day, you have a general anaesthetic, so you are asleep throughout. The surgeon makes a cut, often placed where the scar will be least visible, removes the tumour with its rim of tissue, and usually checks the lymph nodes in the armpit through a small separate cut. The removed tissue may be X-rayed during the operation to confirm the target is inside it. The wound is closed, often with dissolving stitches. Many women go home the same day or the next morning. The final laboratory report, which shows whether the edges are clear and whether the nodes are involved, usually comes back in about one to two weeks and shapes the next steps.

You are asleep throughout

Most lumpectomies are done under general anaesthetic and take around one to two hours.

The lymph nodes are usually checked

A sentinel node biopsy is often done in the same operation through a small armpit cut.

Radiotherapy normally follows

Treating the remaining breast lowers the chance of the cancer coming back there.

A lumpectomy is a common and well-tried operation, but it helps to know its limits.

A second operation is sometimes needed

If the laboratory finds cancer cells at the edge of the removed tissue, more surgery may be advised.

Your breast may look different

There may be a dent, a change in shape or a difference in size compared with the other breast.

Surgery is rarely the only treatment

Radiotherapy and sometimes other treatments are needed to complete your care.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot describe your exact operation. Your surgeon will explain the plan made for you.

Problems after a lumpectomy are uncommon, but it is important to know what to look out for.

Signs of infection

Increasing redness, heat, pus from the wound or a high temperature should be reported the same day.

Rapid swelling

A breast that quickly becomes tense, very swollen or bruised may have bleeding under the skin.

A fluid collection

A soft, sloshing swelling is often a seroma. It can be drained if it becomes uncomfortable.