breast lump surgery
Breast lump surgery, also known as lumpectomy or excisional biopsy, is a surgical procedure to remove a lump from the breast. It is commonly performed when a lump in the breast is detected, and there is a need to remove it either for diagnostic purposes or to treat a cancerous or non-cancerous growth.
When is Breast Lump Surgery Needed?
- Suspicion of Breast Cancer: A lump may be removed if it is suspected to be cancerous, based on mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy results.
- Benign Lumps: Non-cancerous lumps, such as fibroadenomas or cysts, can also be removed if they cause discomfort, grow in size, or have unclear diagnostic results.
- Uncertain Diagnosis: Sometimes, if the lump's nature is unclear after imaging or needle biopsy, a surgeon may remove it for a more detailed pathological examination.
Types of Breast Lump Surgery:
- Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery): Involves removing the lump and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure that no abnormal cells remain. Commonly used for early-stage breast cancer, as it preserves most of the breast tissue.
- Excisional Biopsy: A diagnostic procedure where the entire lump is removed and sent to the lab for pathological analysis to determine if it is benign or malignant.
- Mastectomy: In cases where the lump is large or multiple lumps are present, or the patient has a high risk of cancer recurrence, a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) may be considered.
Benefits of Breast Lump Surgery:
- Preservation of Breast Tissue: In a lumpectomy, only the lump and minimal surrounding tissue are removed, allowing most of the breast to remain intact.
- Accurate Diagnosis: The removal of the lump provides a clear diagnosis, especially when other tests are inconclusive.
- Effective Cancer Treatment: For early-stage breast cancer, surgery can remove cancerous tissue, often in combination with other therapies, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Overall, breast lump surgery is a crucial procedure for diagnosing and treating breast abnormalities, particularly for early intervention in breast cancer cases.