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Throughout the month, breast changes may feel more noticeable for women. Before or after a menstrual cycle, the breast may feel tender, ache, or even heavy. Breast changes may also be more noticeable before or during pregnancy and approaching menopause or in post-menopausal women. Men may also feel a lump or experience breast changes. When breast changes are concerning, or you feel a lump, it may require further medical evaluation from a physician.

 

 

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What is a Lumpectomy?

Research from the Mayo Clinic notes that a lumpectomy is the removal of abnormal breast tissue through a surgical approach. This procedure, also called breast-conserving surgery, does not involve the removal of the whole breast. Instead, a surgical lumpectomy removes a mass (lump) of cancer tissue of the breast along with a section of surrounding healthy tissue, often referred to as a margin. Removing surrounding tissue provides a guide to help determine that the area around the mass is clear of cancer.

 

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Who is a candidate for a Lumpectomy?

Considerations for a lumpectomy procedure include a candidate who has early-stage cancer. Cancer stages are numbered zero through four, as noted by The American Cancer Society. The correlation of the number relates to the spread of the disease. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor has spread. In contrast, the higher the number, the more significant the chance cancer has spread to other tissues or areas of the body. A lumpectomy vs. different types of breast cancer surgery is a personal choice. Consult with your physician or breast cancer surgeon for support and guidance that is best for you.

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Are Lymph Nodes removed during a Lumpectomy?

Our lymphatic system contains hundreds of nodes throughout the body that are an essential part of our immune system that help fight disease and infection through the filtration of germs. For a surgeon to be more proficient in determining the spread of cancer cells from the breast, the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) are removed and inspected as the lymph nodes in the armpit are one of the first places cancer may spread. In addition, research from the American Cancer Society suggests that lymph node removal during a lumpectomy may help the surgeon determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast. 

 

Research from Breast Cancer.org notes that the surgeon may inject a radioactive tracer into the breast area near the tumor before surgery, and the surgeon may inject a blue dye near the nodes during surgery. These substances will drain to the nodes so that they are more detectable. The surgeon then uses specialized equipment to help locate the tumor and lymph nodes. They may take one to five sentinel nodes to send to pathology to determine if cancer has spread to these nodes. If the surgeon has detected that cancer has spread to these nodes, the surgeon may begin removing axillary nodes for further examination.

 

 

 

Side Effects after Lymph Node Surgery

Side effects are not experienced by everyone who has surgical procedures. If you are experiencing side effects, discuss these with your physician or surgical oncologist. Research from the Cancer Research UK notes that side effects are possible from lymph node surgery and can include

• Numbness in the affected arm

• Swelling

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Scarring of tissue in the armpit

 

 

 

Recovery after a Lumpectomy

Recovery from lumpectomy surgery varies for each patient. The length of time a patient is in the hospital can change as some patients may stay through the night or go home later the same day as surgery. Each patient should receive discharge instructions related to wound care, pain management, exercise or stretching recommendations, and follow-up procedures. Cosmetic outcomes will also vary depending on the size of the tumor, location, and surgical approach. A consultation with a plastic surgeon may address these concerns. As with any surgical procedure, you will want to discuss options, outcomes, and expectations with your surgeon or oncologist before your procedure.

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Conclusion

Hundreds of people detect a lump or area of concern in their breast every day. Having an exam from your physician can help determine what treatment or surgery is an option for you. While a lumpectomy may not be the option for everyone, it is a surgical approach to remove a lump and help determine cancer spread and may be less extensive than other surgical approaches. Factors that may determine if a lumpectomy is right for you may be the stage of cancer detected, location, and size of any tumor. Before any surgical procedure, discuss any concerns or questions about your options and treatment plan with your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sources:

Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 11). Lumpectomy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumpectomy/about/pac-20394650

American Cancer Society. (2021, November 8). Stages of Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/stages-of-breast-cancer.html

Cancer Research UK. (2020, July 10). Surgery to Remove Lymph Nodes. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/remove-lymph-nodes

BreastCancer.org. (2022, January 13). The Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection Process. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lymph-node-removal/sentinel-node-dissection/the-process