About Lumpectomy
Key Highlights
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Breast-conserving surgery that aims to preserve the natural appearance of the breast.Less invasive than a full mastectomy, with a typically shorter hospital stay and recovery period.Often combined with radiation therapy for effective cancer control, achieving survival rates equivalent to mastectomy for early-stage cancer.Can help preserve breast sensation and shape, contributing to better psychological and cosmetic outcomes.Usually performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer (Stages I and II).
- Presence of a single, relatively small tumor that can be completely removed with clear margins.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive precancerous condition.
- Certain benign breast conditions, such as complex fibroadenomas or papillomas, that require surgical removal for diagnosis or symptom relief.
- Patient preference for breast preservation when medically appropriate.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluations, including blood tests and imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI).
- Discussion with the surgeon and oncologist to understand the procedure, risks, and post-operative care plan.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, such as blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin), as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery if general anesthesia is planned.
- Arranging for transportation home and post-operative support for the first few days of recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hematoma) or infection at the surgical site.
- Pain, tenderness, and temporary swelling or bruising in the breast.
- Change in breast shape, size, or symmetry compared to the untreated breast.
- Numbness or altered sensation in the breast or nipple area.
- Seroma formation (build-up of clear fluid) requiring drainage.
- Rare complications include adverse reactions to anesthesia or damage to nearby structures.
- Potential need for additional surgery if cancer cells are found at the margins of the removed tissue.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients go home the same day or after a 1-night hospital stay.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; a supportive bra should be worn continuously for the first week.
- Drainage tubes, if placed, require care and are usually removed within 1-2 weeks.
- Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous arm movements on the affected side should be avoided for 2-4 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, review pathology results, and discuss further treatment like radiation therapy.
- Gentle arm exercises are often recommended to prevent stiffness and promote lymphatic drainage.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lumpectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with breast surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lumpectomy. MediFyr helps you compare breast surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lumpectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Neha Williams, a 48-year-old marketing director...
Neha Williams, a 48-year-old marketing director and mother of two teenagers, had a routine mammogram that showed new microcalcifications in her left breast. A subsequent biopsy confirmed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Neha was overwhelmed, juggling her high-pressure job and family. Her surgeon, Dr. Chen, presented a lumpectomy as a highly effective treatment for her non-invasive cancer, emphasizing it was a breast-conserving option with an excellent prognosis. Neha chose to have the surgery during a work lull. The experience was physically straightforward, but the emotional weight was heavy. Recovery was quick, and she was back to light duties in a few days. The pathology showed all DCIS was removed. Initially, she felt vulnerable and anxious about the future. After the successful procedure and clear margins, she felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. She became an advocate for regular screenings among her friends and colleagues, channeling her experience into positive action.
Breast surgeons for Lumpectomy
Explore experienced breast surgeons who regularly perform lumpectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Breast surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon