Lumpectomy

In cases of early-stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy surgically removes abnormal or cancerous tissue from the breast. To ensure the complete removal of the at-risk cells, a small surgical margin of healthy surrounding tissue is also removed.

Cancer-Free With Ease

Also referred to as an excisional biopsy, segmental resection, or partial mastectomy, lumpectomy is considered a breast-conserving procedure because it only removes a portion of breast tissue. At MG Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, we take cancer diagnosis very seriously. The priority is to reduce the potential recurrence of breast cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.

Meet Your Doctor

Lumpectomy surgery can be a complex and distressing process. Having a caring and trustworthy surgeon by your side can help you feel more at ease. Dr. Manuel Gigena is an accomplished, double-board-certified professional trained in the highly advanced techniques required to successfully remove breast cancer. With compassion and care, Dr. Gigena brings a warm, stress-free approach to breast cancer treatment.

What Is a Lumpectomy?

The lumpectomy procedure locates the abnormality within the breast tissue through a mammogram or ultrasound. A needle or thin wire is inserted unless the mass can easily be felt under the skin during breast surgery. Then, Dr. Gigena removes the abnormal tissue and a small margin of surrounding tissue.

A biopsy of nearby lymph nodes within the armpit may be recommended to see if the cancerous cells have spread to areas outside the breast tissue. If cancerous cells are found in the lymph nodes, Dr. Gigena may recommend removing lymph nodes near the armpit as well, and he will determine which technique is best for this process.

Preparation

To ensure the best outcome for your lumpectomy surgery, you will want to let Dr. Gigena know about any medications or supplements you are taking. If anything could interfere with the healing process, he will discuss a plan with you. Generally, to prepare for your surgery, we recommend that you:

Stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, at least one week before surgery to prevent the risk of bleeding
Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 to 12 hours prior to your surgery
Bring a companion to receive postoperative instructions and drive you home

Procedure

The lumpectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The incision is made over the tumor or the area containing the wire, and then the tumor and a layer of surrounding tissue are removed and sent off the be analyzed in a lab.

The process is repeated if your surgery requires the removal of one or more lymph nodes. The incisions are then closed using carefully placed stitches that preserve the breast’s appearance. Surgical tape or glue may be used to keep the incision closed while it heals.

The Recovery Process

After your procedure, you can expect the following:

Detailed instructions with a recovery protocol to help you care for the wound and dressing and notice any potential signs of infection
Surgical dressing to protect the area
Restricted activities during the first week
Pain, tenderness, numbness, and pinching in the chest and underarm areas
Prescribed pain medication and a possible antibiotic to prevent infection
Possible scar tissue formation that softens over the months of healing

Dr. Gigena will follow up with you after one to two weeks to ensure that the area is healing properly.

Take Back Your Health

Breast cancer removal can be the first step to taking back your health. Dr. Gigena is an aesthetic expert with a sensitive approach. You can share any concerns you may have during your initial consultation, and he will outline a plan that ensures that you are cancer-free while also maintaining as much healthy tissue as possible to preserve the appearance of your breasts.