Lumpectomy & Mastectomy

Lumpectomy

A Lumpectomy is when a lump or area of breast tissue is surgically excised to remove a cancer.

Lumpectomy consists of  removing a tumour and a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding the lump to make sure the cancer has not spread into the surrounding tissue.

Lumpectomy can be done with a local or general anaesthesia.

Lymph nodes under the arm may be taken with this procedure.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a procedure that removes the entire breast, the nipple, skin and some lymph nodes under the arm. No muscle is removed. Mastectomy is a relatively simple procedure, however it is surgery under anaesthesia and as with all surgery, there are risks.

Most women find that within 2-4 weeks they are able to do everything they did before.