Surgery·Surgery
Lumpectomy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A lumpectomy is a surgery to remove a small lump (tumor) from the breast, along with a small rim of healthy tissue around it. It is often done for early-stage breast cancer to save as much of the breast as possible.
Key facts
- Lumpectomy is also called breast-conserving surgery.
- It is usually followed by radiation therapy to lower the chance of cancer coming back.
- Most women who have a lumpectomy keep a natural-looking breast shape.
Lumpectomy is a common surgery for early-stage breast cancer. Many women choose it when the tumor is small and well-defined.
It is mostly done for women with breast cancer, but can also be used for men or for non-cancerous breast lumps. Your doctor will decide if it is right for you based on tumor size, location, and your overall health.