Mastectomy

Definition

Lumpectomy is the removal of cancer. Healthy breast and lymph nodes may also be removed.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review 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 factors that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Obesity
• Smoking

Reasons for Procedure

This is done to treat breast cancer .

Breast Cancer

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What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do:

• Blood and urine tests
• Wire-localization—if the tumor was viewed on a mammogram, but is not able to be felt, the doctor will use a wire to mark where it is

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 8-12 hours before surgery.

Anesthesia

You will have general anesthesia . You will be asleep.

Description of Procedure

A small cut will be made in the breast. The tumor will be cut out, along with some of the tissue around it. A cut near the armpit may be made 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 1-3 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after surgery can be managed with medicines.

Postoperative Care

When you get home:

• Limit activities until your doctor says it is okay to resume them.
• Do exercises to promote arm strength. This will help prevent fluid build up in your lymph nodes.
• Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• If you have drains, report any problems that your doctor has discussed with you
• Oozing or discharge from nipples on either breast
• A lump, redness, or swelling in either breast
• 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
• New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.