Lumpectomy is a common and effective treatment for breast cancer. It is also known as breast-conserving surgery. Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy removes only the cancerous lump and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. The goal is to treat cancer while keeping as much of the natural breast as possible.
For many people, lumpectomy offers both medical safety and emotional comfort. It allows cancer treatment without complete breast removal. In most early-stage breast cancers, lumpectomy followed by radiation provides outcomes similar to mastectomy.
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a breast tumour while preserving the rest of the breast. During the surgery, the doctor removes:
This margin helps ensure that no cancer cells are left behind.
Doctors usually recommend lumpectomy when:
Lumpectomy may also be advised for certain non-cancerous breast conditions when a lump needs to be removed for diagnosis or relief.
Your doctor will review scans, biopsy results, and your overall health before recommending lumpectomy surgery. The final decision is always made with your comfort, safety, and long-term health in mind.
Lumpectomy is most commonly used to treat early-stage breast cancer, but it may also be used for other breast conditions.
Conditions treated with lumpectomy include:
In some cases, a lumpectomy is done to remove a lump and confirm whether it is cancerous. This helps guide further treatment decisions.
Lumpectomy surgery is usually a short and planned procedure. Most patients go home the same day.
Before the lumpectomy procedure, you may undergo:
Your doctor will explain the procedure clearly and answer all your questions.
The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory. A pathologist checks whether the margins are clear of cancer cells. The lumpectomy procedure usually takes one to two hours.
You will rest for a few hours before discharge. Mild pain, swelling, or tightness is common and usually temporary.
Many people choose lumpectomy because it offers strong cancer control while preserving the breast.
Key benefits of lumpectomy include:
For many patients, lumpectomy provides emotional reassurance along with effective treatment. It helps reduce the physical and psychological impact of breast cancer surgery.
Lumpectomy recovery time is usually shorter than mastectomy recovery. Most people return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
You may experience:
Pain is usually managed with simple medications.
Post-lumpectomy care is important for healing and comfort.
Your doctor may advise:
Most doctors recommend wearing a supportive bra day and night for 1 to 2 weeks after lumpectomy. This helps reduce swelling and supports healing. Avoid underwire bras until the incision fully heals.
After lumpectomy, radiation therapy is often recommended. Radiation lowers the risk of cancer returning in the same breast.
Follow-up care includes:
Your care team will guide you through every step.
Choosing the right hospital plays a big role in recovery and peace of mind. The CK Birla Hospitals in Kolkata offers trusted, patient-focused care for lumpectomy surgery.
Experienced Breast Cancer Specialists: The hospital has skilled surgeons experienced in breast-conserving procedures. Each case is handled with precision and care.
Advanced Surgical Techniques: Modern technology allows accurate tumour removal while preserving healthy tissue. This improves cosmetic results and treatment success.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care: Your treatment is planned by a team of:
This ensures complete and coordinated care.
Personalised Patient Support: From diagnosis to post-lumpectomy recovery, patients receive continuous guidance. The care team explains each step clearly and supports both physical and emotional needs.
Comfortable Recovery Environment: The CK Birla Hospitals provides a safe, hygienic, and supportive environment. Same-day discharge is possible for many patients.
Yes. For early-stage breast cancer, lumpectomy is a safe and effective treatment, especially when followed by radiation therapy.
Radiation is often recommended after lumpectomy, while chemotherapy depends on the cancer type, stage, and test results.
In most cases, changes are minimal. The breast usually keeps its natural shape, especially when the tumour is small.
Pain is usually mild to moderate and is well controlled with prescribed pain medications and rest.
Most people return to light daily activities within a few days and resume normal routines in 1–2 weeks.
Risks may include infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, or temporary changes in breast sensation.
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