Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy Surgery in New Jersey
Lumpectomy Surgery in Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore, and West Long Branch NJ
Many women with early-stage breast cancer and tumors that are small and haven’t spread significantly may benefit from a lumpectomy. This procedure – also referred to as – breast conserving surgery, aims to remove the breast lump or tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The primary goal of lumpectomy surgery in New Jersey is to remove the cancerous tumor to prevent its growth and spread. Compared to a mastectomy (which involves the removal of the entire breast), a lumpectomy allows patients to preserve a significant portion of their breast tissue.
Dr. Rahul Vemula is a leading expert who offers a highly individualized lumpectomy to minimize impact on breast appearance. The surgeon has an intricate understanding of breast anatomy and is well versed in the most advanced lumpectomy techniques. Through his expertise in lumpectomy breast cancer treatment as well as breast reconstruction, Dr. Vemula has helped countless breast cancer survivors in Monmouth County, Jersey Shore, West Long Branch, and surrounding New Jersey areas.
Who is a Candidate for Lumpectomy Breast Surgery?
Breast conserving surgery may be an appropriate option for women who:
- Are in good enough health to undergo surgery and any necessary subsequent treatment like radiation therapy.
- Have breast cancer that is confined to a relatively small area and has not spread significantly to other parts of the body.
- Have a breast size, shape, and tumor location that makes lumpectomy a feasible option to achieve satisfactory cosmetic results.
During your lumpectomy consultation in New Jersey, Dr. Vemula and his highly qualified team at V Plastic Surgery will assess you and let you know whether this option is right for you.
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Types of Lumpectomies
Experienced breast surgeons usually specialize in several different lumpectomy techniques to suit the needs of different breast cancer patients:
Excisional Biopsy (for an Unknown Lesion)
If a breast lump is discovered during a physical exam or imaging study, an excisional biopsy may be performed. This procedure involves removing the entire lump for examination under a microscope. If the pathology report confirms the presence of cancer, the surgeon may then proceed with a more extensive lumpectomy to ensure complete removal of the breast tumor.
Partial Mastectomy
This is the most common type of lumpectomy for treating breast cancer. It involves removing the tumor, a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. The goal is to completely eradicate the cancer while preserving as much breast tissue as possible.
Quadrantectomy
This is a more extensive lumpectomy that removes a larger portion of breast tissue, roughly one-quarter of the breast. It may be considered when the tumor is larger, located near the nipple, or if the initial excisional biopsy reveals cancer at the margins of the removed tissue.
Lumpectomy Procedure
Lumpectomy is usually an outpatient surgery that may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision over the tumor’s location and use it to remove the lump along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The size and placement of the incision will vary based on the characteristics of the tumor. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to assess for cancer spread in some cases. Once the tumor and any necessary lymph nodes are satisfactorily removed, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures, staples, or surgical glue. A sterile dressing is applied to the incision site, and you are monitored in the recovery room until you are fully awake and stable.
After the Procedure
Recovery after a lumpectomy varies individually, but most women return to normal activities within weeks. You will experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling around the incision site during the first days post-surgery. This discomfort is however easily managed with prescribed pain medication. You’ll be required to keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent infection, and your surgeon will provide specific wound care instructions. Dr. Vemula will also ask that you avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for several weeks to allow proper incision healing. Some women may experience temporary numbness or tingling around the incision, while others may notice changes in breast sensation or shape. Make sure to adhere to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments. The team at V Plastic Surgery of Monmouth County will be available throughout the recovery journey in order to answer your questions and provide any support you may need.
When a mastectomy may be a better option
Lumpectomy is often the preferred approach for treating early-stage breast cancer. However, there are situations where a mastectomy (the surgical removal of the entire breast) may be recommended. These situations include:
- When there is a large tumor that may not be completely removed with a lumpectomy
- When there are multiple tumors within the breast
- When there are widespread microcalcifications throughout the breast tissue
- When there’s been prior radiation therapy to the breast
- When the patient prefers a mastectomy over breast conserving surgery due to factors such as strong family history of breast cancer or a desire for breast reconstruction
A thorough discussion with your breast surgeon and oncologist is required to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual circumstances. Your surgeon will weight both risks and benefits and help you make an informed choice.
Breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy
Reconstructive breast surgery may be an option for women who have undergone a lumpectomy and wish to improve the cosmetic outcome. Oncoplastic surgery techniques may be used during the lumpectomy itself to reshape the remaining breast tissue and minimize the impact on breast appearance. However, when more significant changes are made, a breast reconstruction procedure may be performed following the lumpectomy. This is usually done using techniques like breast implants, autologous tissue flaps, fat grafting, or tissue rearrangement (using existing breast tissue to reshape the breast and create a more symmetrical arrangement). The right breast reconstruction method to use will vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the amount of breast tissue removed, the patient’s individual anatomy, and their aesthetic goals.
Emotional health after a lumpectomy
Diagnosis with breast cancer and a subsequent lumpectomy may significantly impact a woman’s emotional well-being. Common emotional responses may include anxiety about cancer recurrence, potential side effects, and the future, as well as feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness, and loss. Changes in breast shape, size, and sensation may affect body image and self-esteem, and concerns about sexual intimacy and body image could also impact relationships. It is important that the patient adopts healthy coping strategies. This may include seeking support through loved ones, support groups, or counseling. Prioritizing self-care activities, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and communicating openly about your feelings and concerns may also help. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor specializing in cancer care.
Radiation therapy after a lumpectomy
Radiation therapy is sometimes required after lumpectomy surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the treated breast. This treatment utilizes high-energy rays to destroy any remaining cancer cells that may not have been removed during surgery. Radiation therapy typically involves daily treatments over several weeks. Common side effects of radiation therapy may include skin irritation, fatigue, and breast tenderness. These side effects usually subside after treatment completion. Your oncologist will be available to you to discuss radiation therapy as an option along with its potential benefits and risks.
Who cannot have radiation therapy?
Not every patient who undergoes a lumpectomy breast cancer treatment is a candidate for radiation therapy. Some situations where radiation therapy may not be an option include:
- Pregnancy – radiation therapy may be harmful to a developing fetus. If pregnancy occurs after a lumpectomy, radiation therapy may be delayed until after delivery.
- Certain health issues – some underlying health conditions such as severe heart or lung disease, may increase the risks associated with radiation therapy.
- Prior radiation therapy – the risks of further radiation exposure may outweigh the benefits for patients who have previously undergone radiation therapy to the chest or breast.
- Preference – some patients may choose to forego radiation therapy after careful consideration of the risks and benefits, even if it is medically recommended.
Gallery
Look at our Before & After Gallery to see the amazing results that Dr. Vemula consistently delivers for his patients.
Lumpectomy Surgery FAQs
When is a lumpectomy plus radiation therapy an option?
Should I be worried about cosmetic issues after a lumpectomy?
Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery usually changes the look and feel (sensation) of the breast. The breast may become smaller because some tissues are removed. Radiation therapy given after a lumpectomy may further affect the look of the breast in a number of ways:
- Make the breast either smaller or larger
- Make the breast feel firmer
- Change the texture of the breast
- Give skin where the breast was treated a mild tan or red discoloration.
Your plastic surgeon will likely have options to help address these concerns and achieve the breast appearance that you desire.