HealthInfo Canterbury
Lumpectomy
Pokanga mate ūtaetae
A lumpectomy involves removing a breast lump and some of the normal tissue around it. This is done so you can keep your breast rather than having it removed. It's often called wide local excision (WLE) or breast conserving surgery. This can reduce the impact on your body shape.
If you have a cancerous (malignant) lump that needs to be removed, you may or may not be able to have a lumpectomy rather than more invasive surgery such as a mastectomy. This depends on several factors and your doctor will discuss what type of surgery is best for you.
Risks and possible complications
Scarring
The wound is usually straight and flat with dissolvable stitches. Your scar will be more noticeable in the first few months after surgery but will usually fade to a fine line. Some people may form thickened or raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars.
Wound infection
The risk of a wound infection is small (around 5%). But the risk is higher if you have diabetes or if you smoke. In most cases the infection can be treated with antibiotics alone.
Asymmetry
Your treated side may appear distorted due to the volume of breast tissue removed. This may be more noticeable if you also have radiotherapy.
Possible further surgery
After a breast lump is removed, it's tested. If the testing shows that not enough tissue was removed or the disease is more widespread than first thought, you may need further surgery.
General surgical risks
All surgery and anaesthetics have some risks. See General surgical risks and Having an anaesthetic.
You'll be invited to attend a pre-admission clinic before your surgery. You can discuss any concerns then.
On the next page: Mastectomy
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2022.
Sources
Review key: HIBCA-57360
