Question 1

i just need to know if any complications could happen if i get a lumpectomy done?

Accepted Answer

No procedure: Is without risks of complications, but the risk is small from tylectomy/lumpectomy.  The choice is not to have or not, it's to have a lumpectomy, if the biopsy shows cancer, or have a mastectomy, and the risk of complications rise with the magnitude of the surgery and the attempt to reconstruct.

Question 2

exercise after a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Prevent recurrence: There's growing evidence that exercise, weight loss and even fasting can increase cure rates and help in primary and secondary (recurrence) prevention of breast cancer. Check with your doctor.

Question 3

when should women have a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Wideexcisionofcancer: All  masses/ calcifications on physical exam or on mammogram should be biopsied using  minimally invasive techniques -needles  -aspiration or core) . If it  needs to be  totally excised the word is excisional biopsy ---- lumpectomy is the same-- reserved for the same procedure involving cancers --( i know a play on words) but implies removal of the mass and margins.

Question 4

what is involved with a  lumpectomy ?

Accepted Answer

Removal of tissue: Lumpectomy is an excisional biopsy - removal of breast tissue-usually implying a breast cancer is involved and need to check margins. The site may be palpable or found by xray and needle localization - or by ultrasound. The tissue is then sent to pathology for examination and margin assestment.

Question 5

does it hurt to get a lumpectomy done?

Accepted Answer

No: Lumpectomy is done usually on the breast to determine and remove suspicious breast masses which occasionally are known to be cancerous ahead of time.  It is done under gentle control with a minor pin prick to administer the numbing medicine.  Recovery is rapid.  The only real discomfort is psychic as the potential diagnoses are scary.

Question 6

what is normal recovery for a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

"Days": Most women who undergo a lumpectomy may return to work in 2-3 days and be back to normal activities in a week (provided that was the only operation performed).  The true "expert" to answer this question would be your surgeon since they may be aware of some nuances about you or your operation that may affect your recovery.  Good luck!

Question 7

what is a proper margin for a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Is it cancer orDCIS: For the usual cancer i look for a 3mm margin if a  unifocal cancer without satellites on MRI or extensive dcis around the primary cancer  but dcis is a different story i look for 10mm  margin if possible  if 1 comedo changes(high grade with  central-comedo necrosis)-which can involve juxtaopposed ducts  and 2 with  cribiform/ micropapillary type that can extend out a long way as a single duct.

Question 8

had a lumpectomy? what was your experience?

Accepted Answer

Good but qualified: I am the doer/surgeon and lumpectomies is what i do, but after 5, 000 I am qualified to answer.  I use lumpectomy  as a synonym for excisional biopsy involving cancer - the incision follows skin crease lines with the internal  resection aimed  radially toward the nipple  paramount is preop planning/intraop imaging with ultrasound to direct the  margin width - the tumor site has already been marked.

Question 9

can i travel by car after having a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I let my patients travel after having a lumpectomy, but i ask that they have a friend or family member drive them.  Most if the time, these patients have some sedation during the procedure that has some lingering effects.

Question 10

how long does it take to recover from a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Days: Surgical removal of a breast lump is an out-patient operation often performed under twilight anesthesia in less than one hour.  Most women may return to fulll activities, including sports and exercise, within one week.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Lumpectomy complications

A member asked:

I just need to know if any complications could happen if i get a lumpectomy done?

A member asked:

Exercise after a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

When should women have a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

What is involved with a lumpectomy ?

A member asked:

Does it hurt to get a lumpectomy done?

A member asked:

What is normal recovery for a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

What is a proper margin for a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

Had a lumpectomy? what was your experience?

A member asked:

Can i travel by car after having a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

How long does it take to recover from a lumpectomy?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?