Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor
will go over problems that may happen, such as:
- Infection
- Numbness and loss of feeling
- Breasts that do not match in size or shape
- Anesthesia problems
- Lymphedema—swelling of the arm caused by a
build-up of fluid in the lymph nodes
- Excess bleeding
- Build-up of blood or fluid
Some things that may raise the risk of problems are:
Reasons for Procedure
A lumpectomy is a treatment
option for breast cancer.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The doctor may use a wire to help mark tumors that can be seen on images but not felt. This process is called wire localization.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before surgery.
Do not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before surgery.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
will block pain and keep you asleep during surgery.
Description of Procedure
A small cut will be made in the breast. The tumor will be cut
out. Different amounts of tissue may be taken with it:
Lumpectomy—the tumor and a little tissue around it are removed Wedge resection—the tumor and a larger amount of tissue around it are
removedQuadrantectomy—the tumor and a quarter of the breast around it are
removedA cut may also be made near the armpit to remove lymph nodes.
Plastic tubes for drainage may be put in place. Incisions will be closed with
stitches.
Immediately After Procedure
Right after the procedure, you will be in a recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be watched. You may be given medicine to:
- Reduce pain
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
Removed tissue will be studied. The findings may show if more surgery is needed. If you had cancer and it has spread,
chemotherapy
and
radiation therapy
may be needed.
How Long Will It Take?
About 1 to 3 hours
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after surgery can be managed with medicines.
Postoperative Care
Some movement will be limited in the first few days or weeks.
Problems To Look Out For
Call your doctor if you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Any problems with a drain that your doctor talked to you about
- A lump, redness, or swelling in either breast, or oozing or discharge from either
nipple
- If lymph nodes were removed: redness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, or hardness in the arm or hand
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you were given
- Cough, problems breathing, or chest pain
- Pain and swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
-
Signs of
depression
that last longer than 2 weeks
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
