What is a lumpectomy?

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes cancer from the breast. Your doctor will make a small cut (incision) and take out the cancer. The whole breast won't be removed. The doctor will try to also take a small amount of normal tissue around the cancer. This is known as "getting clear margins." Some people will need another surgery to be sure the margins are clear. The doctor may also check the nearby lymph nodes during the surgery.

After surgery, you will probably go home the same day. Most people can go back to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 weeks. This depends on how you feel. It also depends on the type of work you do and whether you need more treatment. This may include radiation or chemotherapy. Most people who have this surgery for cancer also get radiation treatment.

The surgery will leave scars. Sometimes it leaves a dent in the breast too. Most women will look normal in a bra. But your breasts may not match in size or shape after surgery. This depends on the size of your breasts. It also depends on how much tissue was removed.

When you find out that you have cancer, you may feel many emotions and may need some help coping. Seek out family, friends, and counsellors for support. You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better while you go through treatment. Call the Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) or visit its website at www.cancer.ca for more information.

What happens on the day of surgery?

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  Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
• Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Bring a comfortable, supportive bra with you. You will need to wear this all the time, even during the night, for the first week after surgery.

At the hospital or surgery centre

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  Bring a picture ID.
• The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors. If your doctor can't feel the lump, a needle can be put in the suspicious area. This may be done during a mammogram just before surgery. The needle will guide your doctor.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• The surgery will take about 1 hour or longer, depending on the size of the lump.