Lumpectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy is an operation that removes a malignant tumor (lump) and some of the tissue around it. During the operation, the surgeon checks the edges or margins of the resection to make sure that there are no more cancer cells in your breast.
Source: www.comprehensivebreast.net
This refers to a procedure that removes a malignant tumor with a rim of normal tissue around it to obtain "clear" margins. The tissue at the edges is checked microscopically for cancer cells to be sure the margins are clear. If they are not, more tissue will need to be removed.
Source: www.robinrahmmd.com
What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?
Lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a breast lump and a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue. Lumpectomy usually does not significantly alter the physical appearance of the breast. Mastectomy is the surgical removal of an affected breast and often some or all of the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes and pectoral (chest) muscles. Breast reconstruction is possible in most cases after mastectomy. Many women are faced with the choice between mastectomy or lumpectomy. ...
Source: www.imaginis.com
How effective is radiotherapy given after a lumpectomy?
Many scientific reports have shown that giving radiotherapy to the remaining breast tissue after lumpectomy (or other breast conserving operations) for cancer greatly reduces the risk of further cancer developing in that breast. The precise figures vary from report to report but overall without radiotherapy the risk of further cancer occurring in the breast is about one in three to one in four. Giving radiotherapy does not guarantee there will be no further problem but reduces the risk to less than one in
Source: www.cancerlineuk.net
What are the recurrence rates after a lumpectomy?
The recurrence rates after a lumpectomy depend on the grade, size, and width of the narrowest margin. This is a good question to ask the panel about your specific diagnosis.
Source: www.cancerlynx.com
Is a mastectomy safer than a lumpectomy and radiation?
Lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery. The National Cancer Institute found that lumpectomy followed by radiation was as effective as a mastectomy in saving women’s lives from breast cancer. The risk of local recurrence is still higher with lumpectomy. But if cancer recurs in the breast after a lumpectomy and radiation, a mastectomy can still be done and can be just as effective.
Source: www.cancerschmancer.org
What is breast conservation surgery or lumpectomy ?
Nearly all women diagnosed with breast cancer require some form of surgery as part of treatment. A mastectomy, in which the entire breast as well as surrounding muscle, tissue and lymph nodes may be removed, was once the only surgical option for breast cancer patients. Today, an option for many patients is a common practice known as breast conservation therapy or lumpectomy —the removal of the cancerous tissue and an additional rim of tissue surrounding the cancer—followed by radiation therapy.
Source: www.ccoi.org
Why is radiation therapy necessary after a lumpectomy?
Radiation therapy is given to most patients who have lumpectomy for breast cancer to kill cancer cells that may remain after the lumpectomy or to prevent them from reproducing or spreading. Radiation damages both cancer cells and healthy cells, but unlike normal healthy cells, cancer cells cannot repair themselves after exposure to radiation. As a result, cancer cells exposed to sufficient levels of radiation are killed. This reduces the risk of recurrence of the cancer in the breast.
Source: www.ccoi.org
What is the difference between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy and which is better?
A mastectomy is an operation that removes the entire breast. A lumpectomy is an operation that cuts out the breast cancer along with a rim of healthy breast tissue around it, and does not involve the rest of the breast. Each individual situation must be considered to determine which treatment is better.
Source: www.sindab.org
How soon after lumpectomy does radiation therapy usually begin?
Radiation is usually started several weeks after lumpectomy, allowing ample time for the breast to heal. If the woman is also having chemotherapy as part of treatment, the physician will sometimes begin chemotherapy prior to starting radiation therapy.
Source: www.imaginis.com
What post-mastectomy/post-lumpectomy products does Medicare cover?
Silicone breast forms, foam breast forms, mastectomy bras, and post-surgical camisoles.
Source: www.marylousgarden.com
How many mastectomy & lumpectomy items per year does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers one silicone breast form every two years. If you have had a bilateral mastectomy Medicare covers one for each side every two years. One or two foam forms every six months, and two to four mastectomy bras per year.
Source: www.marylousgarden.com
How do I choose between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
This decision is an individual one that is based on each woman's particular case, the type and stage of cancer and other factors. The first step in making this decision is to find a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and who has expertise in breast surgery. You should discuss your options with him/her. Generally, research has shown equal chances of success with both types of surgery for early stage breast cancer. ...
Source: calvertmemorialhospital.net
What if I have had a lumpectomy, does the government provide funding for the lumpectomy prothesis?
Yes, the grant covers lumpectomy prothesis, and mastectomy prothesis.
Source: www.myleftbreast.ca
Why would a woman require a breast form following a lumpectomy?
The goal of a lumpectomy is to preserve as much of the surrounding breast tissue as possible. However, the removal of cancerous lump may cause a noticeable difference in size from the normal breast. In order to restore equalization and smooth (even) out indentations a partial breast form is recommended.
Source: newenglandmedicalfitting.com
Is mastectomy a better treatment for breast cancer than lumpectomy?
Women who choose lumpectomy and radiation can expect the same chance of survival as those who choose mastectomy. The advantage of lumpectomy is that it saves the appearance of the breast. A disadvantage is the need for several weeks of radiation therapy after surgery. However, some women who have a mastectomy will still need radiation therapy. When considering mastectomy, you must consider how you feel about losing your breast and whether you want to undergo additional surgery to reconstruct your breast. ...
Source: www.fccc.edu
I only had a lumpectomy will I need your help?
Only if you feel you are not balanced on each side. This may never happen or may happen after several months or years. If this happens we can manage the imbalance by inserting a filler form into our bra. A Fitting Place has shapers that bring symmetry to both your breast whether you have had surgery or not. Not all breasts are created equal.
Source: afittingplacemn.com
Are there any exercises that I should be doing after breast surgery (lumpectomy/mastectomy)?
Most definitely! Exercise can help you: resume daily activities, maintain movement in your arm and shoulder, improve muscle tone, decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain in the neck and back area, and manage lymphedema. Together, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association have developed an exercise program that can be started right after your surgery. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist prior to starting an exercise program. ...
Source: www.portagephysio.com
Do you have products for a woman who has had a lumpectomy and/or mastectomy?
Yes, we have a wide range of surgical bras and prosthesis to meet your needs. Please feel free to come into the store with your doctor's prescription and insurance information. Our certified fitters will take the necessary time to fit you properly and we will even submit the insurance forms for you.
Source: www.jayannintimates.com
How much pain will I feel after a lumpectomy if I do not have a node procedure?
Most Amazon members report they have not had very much pain following a lumpectomy. Some may require mild pain medications for a day or two. Still others may require pain medication for a longer period of time I have chosen to have a mastectomy without a nodal procedure. Immediately after surgery I expect to be given morphine for pain. I've heard that morphine may promote
Source: www.breastcancerchoices.org
I have had a lumpectomy or reconstruction but I do not have perfect balance. Will a prosthesis help?
Yes. A partial prosthetic is sometimes used to compensate after breast surgeries such as a lumpectomy, some reconstructions and as a temporary aid during the implant expansion process.
Source: www.breastcaresurvivor.com
If I've had a lumpectomy or mastectomy, can my breast cancer come back?
It's possible for breast cancer to recur (come back) in some women even after surgery to partially or completely remove the breast. Breast cancer can recur either locally, regionally, or as distant disease. Local recurrence occurs in the breast where the cancer first started, or in the skin and underlying tissues where the breast used to be. Regional recurrence occurs in the lymph nodes near the affected breast. Distant recurrence occurs in other parts of the body, such as the lung, liver, bone, or brain.
Source: www.getbcfacts.com
If I elect to have cryosurgery either for my whole gland or as a "lumpectomy" can cryosurgery be repeated?
Cryosurgery is the only prostate cancer treatment that can be repeated without risk of additional complications. Cryosurgery is the only prostate cancer treatment that can be repeated without risk of additional complications. The most feared complication of cryosurgery is urethra-rectal fistula which occurs when the rectum is frozen during the procedure. ...
Source: www.hopeforprostatecancer.com
Can I participate in the Targit Trial if I have already had my breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy)?
Yes. You may still qualify for the Targit Trial if you have had a lumpectomy within the past 4 weeks for invasive breast cancer. To determine if you are eligible, you will need to be evaluated by a surgeon and radiation oncologist at USC. This evaluation will include physical examination, review of your mammograms and ultrasound, and review of your pathology results. Additional radiology studies (mammograms, ultrasounds, and/or breast MRI) may be requested prior to determining your eligibility for the study. ...
Source: www.targittrial.com
After a lumpectomy, what can I expect my chest to look like?
There should not be too much difference in the shape of your breast. There will a dressing covering the scar on your breast, that will be removed at a time deemed appropriate by your surgeon or doctor. If you have had some of your lymph glands removed from your armpit (axilla) there may be a tube (drain) which will have been inserted during your operation. This scar will also be covered with a dressing.
Source: breastsurgerygallery.org
If they got all the cancer with the lumpectomy, why did you need chemotherapy?
I struggled long and hard with this one. It was my primary motivation to go to the University of Chicago for a second opinion. In the end I had the opinion of my surgeon, my oncologist, the doctor at U of C, and the oncology board at U of C all saying that this was what I needed to do. I sought the Lord on this as well. As the Apostle Paul says, "Let every word be established in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses. They based their decison on the grade of the cancer (3...the most agressive) and the size of the tumor (2 cm). ...
Source: www.geocities.com
My doctor has given me a choice between a lumpectomy or mastectomy; how do I go about making my decision?
Become informed on the risks and benefits of each option. The follow-up care differs widely so learn everything you can about what will happen after the surgery. Each procedure has a different follow-up procedure and numerous cosmetic options. You must choose the procedure that bests suits you, your lifestyle, and your future expectations.
Source: www.advocatehealth.com
I HAD A LUMPECTOMY OR RECONSTRUCTION, AND MY BRA NO LONGER FITS PROPERLY. IS THERE SOMETHING AVAILABLE TO HELP EVEN OUT MY FIGURE?
Shapers/Shells are the perfect solution for women who experience asymmetry after a lumpectomy or reconstruction. The shaper will even out your figure just where you need it.
Is reconstruction possible to do after radiation? For example, if I have a recurrence several years after I was treated with lumpectomy and radiation, can I have a mastectomy with reconstruction?
You can successfully have a flap procedure ( such as a TRAM Flap ) after radiation. Breast implants may have a higher rate of complications following radiation because of microscopic damage to the blood vessels of the skin. Questions About Follow-Up and Monitoring Back to the Table of Contents
Source: www.cancerlynx.com
My breast cancer was diagnosed early, but my physician says that I need surgery. Which operation is better - lumpectomy or mastectomy?
Although lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and its margins) - combined with radiation therapy - has gained favor as a treatment for early breast cancer, there are some important instances in which mastectomy is a better option. For example, if the tumor lies directly behind the nipple, it may be difficult for the surgeon to remove without significantly altering the shape of the breast. If this is the case, mastectomy may be a better alternative when followed up by breast reconstruction . ...
Source: www.ehealthmd.com
