What is breast lump removal surgery?
Breast lump removal, sometimes called a lumpectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a tumour from the breast.
The procedure will also involve the removal of a margin of healthy breast tissue to ensure that all the cancer cells are removed.
Sometimes it may be necessary for the surgeon to remove lymph nodes from the armpit to check for any further spread.
The procedure will take about 90 minutes and is performed using general anaesthesia.
After your breast cancer surgery
Once the lump has been removed, the incision will be closed with sutures, and a dressing will be applied.
You will be taken to the recovery room, where our surgical team and a breast care nurse will monitor your progress until you are well enough to be returned to your room.
Post-operative issues
Bruising, pain, tenderness and swelling are side effects of most surgeries, but these will be managed by our dedicated team.
The following issues are likely to affect you after your breast cancer surgery.
Pain Relief
As with all surgeries, you will be in some discomfort after your procedure, but we will ensure that you have adequate pain relief to keep you comfortable.
Our surgeons infiltrate the wound with local anaesthetic during surgery, which is highly effective at minimising discomfort.
You may also have patient-controlled analgesia via a drip to control your postoperative pain.
Wound drains
Your surgeon may insert a wound drain to drain blood and fluid out of your body into a small bag.
You may need to go home with a drain for a certain period, and we will tell you how to care for it.
Potential infection
Post-operative infection is always a risk, and your doctor may prescribe a short course of preventive antibiotics.
The impact of blue dye
Your surgeon may use a dye during your procedure to help identify the lump in the breast.
Don’t be alarmed if your urine is blue or green for a few days, as this is just your body excreting the blue dye.
Recovery at home after your breast surgery
Patients like to get home as soon as possible, and you should be able to leave the hospital the day after your surgery.
Your recovery will continue for a few weeks, and you can help yourself during this postoperative period in the following ways:
Pain control
You may continue to feel pain when you go home, but we can prescribe painkillers that can manage any discomfort for you.
Eating and drinking
Some patients feel sick when they eat after their surgery, and if this is the case, we advise that you eat little and often, initially concentrating on bland foods that are easy to digest.
Rest plus gentle exercise
We advise our patients to rest as much as possible in the first few days to give their bodies a chance to heal.
It is essential to take things gently at first, but short walks at a leisurely pace are recommended to promote good circulation.
You will soon be able to build up to more vigorous exercise, but your doctor will advise you on when you are ready to resume normal activities and to start driving again.
Wound care
We will check your wound at your out-patient appointments to monitor your healing.
The wound will take about 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely.
We advise our patient to wear a non-wired, comfortable bra for a few weeks to promote healing of the breast area.
Showering and bathing after breast lump removal
Most people can shower after around 48 hours but we will give you specific instructions based on the type of dressing that you have been given.
Accept emotional support
The very fact that you are being treated for cancer can make you emotional but many people feel particularly vulnerable after surgery.
Being with family and friends will help you to cope but remember that we are also here to support you on your journey back to health.
Contact us with any concerns
If you are concerned about anything like persistent pain, redness of the skin or swelling of the wound, you can contact us at any time.
Arm exercises after breast surgery
It is common to experience a stiff shoulder or for your upper arm to feel tight after lump removal and this may be worse in patients who have had lymph nodes removed from under their arm.
You will be given arm and shoulder exercises to do and it is essential that you complete them to ensure full mobility of your arm.
Additional breast cancer treatment after a lumpectomy
The removal of a breast lump is often an important stage in the treatment of early breast cancer and may be followed by a course of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
If you would like more information about breast lump removal or any of our services you can contact us online here.
