What is a Non-Surgical Lumpectomy Procedure?

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If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer you may have many concerns and worries about what will happen next, what your surgery will involve and how long your journey will be to recovery.  If you have been told you will undergo a non-surgical lumpectomy procedure then you will probably want to know more about what is involved and whether you will be left with scarring,

The Non-Surgical Lumpectomy Procedure

The good news is that a non-surgical lumpectomy procedure is one of the least invasive methods of removing breast cancer and indicates that the breast cancer hasn’t spread and is contained within one or more small lumps.  A breast cancer lumpectomy is carried out to preserve as much healthy breast tissue as possible and avoids the need for breast reconstruction.

During the procedure the tumor and the surrounding tissue is removed to ensure that all traces of cancer are removed from the breast.  

The incision is made in a discreet place so that there is minimal visible scarring and cosmetically no one will be aware that you have had it.  The incisions are usually in the natural creases and lines around the breast or in the areola (nipple), or in the armpit, whichever gives the most direct access to the lump.

There is a balance to be had between it being cosmetic surgery and the cancer being removed, because enough tissue has to be removed that all concerns that cancer may still be left in the breast are alleviated, while the long term effects of the surgery are as invisible as possible.

Before a Non-Surgical Lumpectomy Procedure

Because a non-surgical lumpectomy procedure is only carried out when it is determined the patient has cancer it only follows after one or more diagnostic biopsy procedures have already taken place.  Using a needle or a small incision, a sample of the lump will be removed from the breast and then sent to a laboratory to determine its nature, whether it is cancerous or benign.

The results of the breast cancer biopsy will determine what treatment plan is put in place, whether it includes a non-surgical lumpectomy procedure, a surgical lumpectomy, and also whether radiation or medicine led treatment will be required following the surgery.  If a lot of your breast tissue is removed, and you also have radiation therapy then breast reconstruction surgery may also be booked in for the end of the plan. A cancer eradication plan will often have several steps and you should expect these to continue over several months.

Following a Non-Surgical Lumpectomy Procedure

To ensure that cancer doesn’t return after a non-surgical lumpectomy procedure you may also be given medicated in pill or injection form to treat the cancer, or possibly given radiation therapy.  These ensure total eradication of the cancer so that no further surgical procedures are required.

Radiation treatment can effect the shape and size of the breast being treated so usually if you want breast reconstruction it is wise to wait until radiation treatment has been completed before having reconstruction carried out, so that you are happy with the final shape.

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