Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Breast Lump Removal?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A breast lump removal is a surgical procedure performed to take a lump from the breast. This procedure is also known as a lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery. Patients may have this surgery to treat breast cancer, cysts, or fibroadenomas in their breasts. It can be performed by a general surgeon or by a specialist such as an oncology surgeon, depending on the reason for the surgery.

Patients may notice breast lumps during breast self exams or a lump may be identified during a medical exam. When a lump is identified, the first step is to determine the nature of the lump. Diagnostic testing including medical imaging and biopsy can be used to learn more about what is inside. With this information in hand, a doctor can make treatment recommendations. Breast lump removal may be recommended if a lump is cancerous, infected, painful, or likely to cause problems in the future.

Breast lumps may be identified during a medical exam.
Breast lumps may be identified during a medical exam.

The surgery can be performed in a hospital or surgical clinic. Patients may be given general or local anesthesia for a breast lump removal and an anesthesiologist usually meets with the patient before the surgery to discuss the anesthesia options. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the breast to access the lump and then cuts it out. If the lump is cancerous, the surgeon removes the tissue around the margins in an attempt to get all the cancer cells out. The lymph nodes from the armpit may be removed as well if there are concerns that a cancer may spread.

Breast lump removal may be recommended if a lump is cancerous.
Breast lump removal may be recommended if a lump is cancerous.

After the surgery, a drain may be placed to prevent the buildup of fluid inside the breast. The patient is given analgesic drugs to assist with pain in recovery and the lump is sent off for analysis. A lab can conduct tests to precisely pinpoint what is inside the lump. In the case of cancerous lumps, the lab can also check to see whether or not the margins of the cancer were fully removed.

A patient may notice a breast lump during a breast self-exam.
A patient may notice a breast lump during a breast self-exam.

For breast cancers, breast lump removal is sometimes an option for women who would like to preserve their breasts if they can. There may also be cases when a cancer is clearly localized and a mastectomy, a removal of the entire breast, is simply not necessary. Surgeons balance the desire to preserve breast tissue with the need to fully remove the cancer and it is important to note that even with breast conservation in mind, it may be necessary to perform reconstruction surgery after a breast lump removal to rebuild part of the breast.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Breast lumps may be identified during a medical exam.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Breast lumps may be identified during a medical exam.
    • Breast lump removal may be recommended if a lump is cancerous.
      By: rob3000
      Breast lump removal may be recommended if a lump is cancerous.
    • A patient may notice a breast lump during a breast self-exam.
      By: Arto
      A patient may notice a breast lump during a breast self-exam.