Lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery)

A lumpectomy is a common breast cancer treatment in which a tumor is removed from the breast, in addition to a small amount of surrounding breast tissue. This procedure is considered breast conserving surgery because it leaves your breast intact, whereas a mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast. 

Your doctor uses breast imaging to determine whether you are a candidate for lumpectomy. If the abnormal tissue is confined to one area of the breast and can be easily removed, lumpectomy is a possibility. 

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy. If breast imaging detected a tumor that was small in size relative to your breast or a tumor that has only affected one area of your breast, you may also be a candidate for breast conserving surgery. Lumpectomies can confirm a cancer diagnosis or be a first treatment option for patients with early-stage breast cancer that has not yet spread to surrounding areas.  

Because lumpectomy is often paired with subsequent radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurring breast cancer, you must be able to receive radiation exposure to be eligible for breast conserving surgery. 

A lumpectomy may also be used if imaging results have shown non-cancerous abnormalities, such as to remove a fibroadenoma of the breast. 

As with any surgery, lumpectomy surgery does present a few risks to patients. Associated risks of breast conserving surgery include: 

• Infection of the breast skin from incision 
• Numbness, loss of sensation, or nerve pain at the incision site 
• Physical changes to the area such as scarring or indentation 
• Slightly uneven breasts, which can be addressed by our reconstructive plastic surgeons 
• Fluid buildup 

Despite these risks, lumpectomies are considered a routine breast cancer treatment at Penn Medicine. Our breast surgeons have decades of experience in breast conservation and take every precaution to prevent these risks from occurring, as well as implement several safety measures to ensure a seamless surgical experience and recovery at home. 

After breast conserving surgery, patients are moved to the outpatient recovery room, where we will monitor your vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, while the effects from anesthesia wear off. Most patients are able to return home the same day after our team reviews recovery instructions, which will include information about: 

• Common post-op symptoms like pain and discomfort 
• When you should call your provider for abnormal symptoms or other concerns 
• Acceptable medication for pain management and frequency 
• Incision care to prevent infection 
• Restrictions on physical activity for safety and incision protection 
• Instructions for any post-operative appointments 

Our office will coordinate an initial follow-up appointment within two weeks of surgery. At the appointment, the surgeon will check your incision, discuss the results of the pathology report, and provide further instructions for subsequent visits. 

We understand that breast surgery is a sensitive procedure. Our breast surgeons are experts at removing abnormal tissue while maintaining the appearance of your breast. Through our Breast Cancer Program at Penn, you’ll find: 

• Expert surgeons: Our fellowship-trained surgeons only operate on breasts. They use their experience and in-depth knowledge to preserve as much healthy breast tissue as possible while removing abnormal tissue. 
• Surgical precision: We use advanced imaging and radar localization technology called SAVI SCOUT® to successfully find and remove breast cancer. These steps minimize the amount of healthy tissue removed.
• Team approach: Whenever possible, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons at Penn Medicine work together to perform breast reconstruction during a lumpectomy. This reduces the amount of surgery you need and your overall recovery time. 
• Comprehensive support: Our oncology nurse navigators answer any questions and coordinate your appointments before and after surgery. We also offer breast cancer support services through specialized social workers, nutritionists, and support groups.