When you are considering having a breast lumpectomy, you should know some important facts about the surgery. Your surgeon can advise you on the right surgical procedure for your condition and how long you should expect to be in the hospital. These decisions are based on your diagnosis, age, medical history, and personal preference. During the procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia. This consists of IV medication that puts you into a deep sleep. In addition, you may receive a peripheral nerve block infusion, a continuous drip of liquid anesthetic that controls pain during and after surgery.
Recurrence of breast cancer after a lumpectomy
The standard method of treatment is radiation therapy, which targets the entire breast. A patient usually receives a daily dose of radiation for four to six weeks. Recently, new radiation treatment options have been developed that target smaller areas of the breast. One such treatment is accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), which involves daily treatment of a smaller portion of the breast for one to two weeks.
A distant recurrence is a type of recurrence that occurs in locations other than the breast. The cancer cells travel away from the original tumor through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Some common sites of metastatic disease are the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. The cancer cells that reappear in these locations are identical to those found in the original tumor.
Patients who have had a lumpectomy are usually given one or more treatments to try to cure the cancer. Their doctors may also order tests to see if the cancer has returned. These tests may include a CT scan or mammogram. A biopsy may also be done. In some cases, a patient may need to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the cancer.
Complications of a lumpectomy
A breast lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a tumor from a breast. It involves the removal of the tumor and a small margin of healthy breast tissue. Afterward, a drain tube is inserted into the breast to collect fluid. A bandage is placed over the incision site and the patient is moved to a recovery room. Most patients are discharged the same day.
A lumpectomy is not the best treatment for every type of breast cancer, but it is generally used when other treatments have failed. The patient should always ask the doctor about alternative treatments. It is also advisable to seek a second opinion to ensure that the procedure is right for her. Usually, a breast lumpectomy is performed by a general surgeon, but some surgeons specialize in breast disease and are more familiar with the procedure.
A lumpectomy is an important step in the treatment of breast cancer because it prevents the cancer from spreading. It is also a good option for patients who want to preserve the appearance of their breast. However, the breast may become significantly different in size and shape from the other breast, so it may take some time to adjust to the new look.
Recovery from a lumpectomy
While most breast lumpectomies are outpatient procedures, some may require a brief stay in a hospital. During this time, patients are monitored closely and given pain medication. After a lumpectomy, patients will usually be able to return to their normal activities within two weeks. Patients may want to make arrangements to have someone to stay with them while they are recovering.
Patients are generally put under general anesthesia during the lumpectomy, but some may receive a local anesthetic or IV sedation. Typically, a breast lumpectomy takes about 60 to 90 minutes. However, the procedure can take more time if lymph nodes are removed as well.
The amount of breast tissue removed depends on the type of cancer and the size of the tumor. The amount of breast tissue removed depends on the size of the tumor and the breast size.
Information for patients considering a lumpectomy
After a breast lumpectomy, you will need to rest and recover. You should be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions about the recovery period and any possible complications. You may be sent home the same day of your surgery, but you may need to stay overnight at the hospital. A few days after surgery, you can start doing exercises, but you should limit the amount of motion you do. You may also feel very sensitive to touch. Pain medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help to ease the discomfort. If you experience more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as opioids.
In most cases, lumpectomy patients will also undergo radiation therapy after the procedure. This will help destroy any remaining cancer cells. However, some women cannot have radiation therapy because they are pregnant. The radiation could harm the fetus. Fortunately, some women can delay radiation therapy until after giving birth. In either case, women should carefully consider the risks and benefits of each surgical option. The best option is the one that fits your individual circumstances.
