Breast Lumpectomy

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with 1 in 8 women receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime. While it is a condition that is commonly associated with women over the age of 50, it can occur in younger individuals and can even affect men. Depending on the type of cancer, its size, and its shape, there are a number of treatments and procedures that are recommended to treat breast cancer. One such treatment is a Lumpectomy where the tumour and surrounding breast tissues are removed.

At New Victoria Hospital our nationally-acclaimed breast surgeons specialise in the Lumpectomy procedure. Complemented by a multidisciplinary team of highly-experienced nurses and physiotherapists, and with access to a world-class imaging suite, our Breast Consultants provide a comprehensive approach to breast cancer, from initial diagnosis to treatment.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is a condition where abnormal or damaged cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably, often forming tumours. The cancerous cells can invade and compromise surrounding healthy tissues, including organs.

While individuals with breast cancer can present a number of different symptoms, the most common (and often most noticeable) is a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. While lumps in the breast are not abnormal, and most are usually benign, it is a good idea to get them checked out to ensure an early diagnosis and a better chance of recovery if they are indeed cancerous.

Other symptoms include:

A change in the size or shape of the breast(s)
New skin indentation
New permanent nipple inversion
Discharge from the nipple
A lump or swollen area in the armpit
A rash surrounding the nipple
A change in the appearance of the nipple

The causes of breast cancer are not yet completely understood, but there are some factors that are known to increase risk. These include:

Age
Family breast cancer history
Previous diagnosis of breast cancer
Previous benign lump in the breast
Overweight
Alcohol consumption

There are a number of different types of breast cancer, but they are commonly divided into two categories:

Non-invasive breast cancer - cancer is found within microscopic ducts of the breast, but hasn’t spread into the surrounding breast tissues.
Invasive breast cancer - the cancer cells have spread into the surrounding breast tissues through the microscopic breast duct walls. This is the most common type of breast cancer.

What is a Lumpectomy?

A Lumpectomy is a form of breast conserving surgery where a cancerous lump is removed from the breast whilst keeping as much of the breast tissue as possible. This may be appropriate if:

The size of the cancer is small compared to the size of the breast
The cancer is suitably positioned within the breast
The cancer is only in one area of the breast
More than one cancer can also be removed using two separate lumpectomies to achieve breast conservation

Breast conserving surgery is appropriate for patients who are at an early-stage of breast cancer. The advantage of a Lumpectomy is that it ensures a patient can keep most of their breast tissues. However, as with more extensive breast cancer procedures, a period of radiation therapy will need to follow.

New Victoria Nurse Speaking To A Patient For Breast Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy at New Victoria Hospital

The multidisciplinary Breast Team at New Victoria Hospital are vastly experienced when it comes to performing the Lumpectomy procedure. Complemented by specialist nurses and physiotherapists, our nationally-acclaimed breast Consultants provide a world-class level of treatment for any patient who is undergoing this form of breast cancer surgery.

Upon arrival at our hospital, every Lumpectomy patient is made to feel at ease in a warm and comfortable environment. Prior to surgery they are also given an opportunity to ask their Consultant any questions they may have so they can better understand the intricacies of the procedure.

Once the operation is underway the cancerous area and surrounding breast tissues will be removed. A few of the lymph nodes in the armpit may also be removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. A pathologist will check the tissues surrounding the tumour for cancer cells. If there are no cancer cells present, the patient will be given a report with a clear margin. This means further surgery is unlikely and the risk of the cancer returning in the future is reduced.

Most patients suffering invasive breast cancer will be offered radiotherapy of the whole breast following a Lumpectomy. The Consultant will advise how soon this can commence post-surgery. If chemotherapy is also part of the post-surgery plan, this will happen before radiotherapy.

We understand that any cancer-related treatment can be overwhelming and daunting. Our experienced Breast Team will therefore make sure that you are provided with an unrivalled level of care and compassion throughout your treatment plan, from initial diagnosis to post-surgery.

If you would like to receive more information on the Lumpectomy procedure, please call us on 020 8949 9020 or fill out our online form. Our dedicated Appointments Team will work to find you an appointment with a Breast Consultant at a convenient time on the earliest possible date.