A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a discrete breast lump along with a thin rim of surrounding tissue. For benign lesions like fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumours or persistent cysts, it is a quick day-care procedure done under sedation or general anaesthesia — usually with minimal scarring.
When is a lumpectomy recommended
- •Fibroadenoma larger than 2 cm, growing, or causing pain
- •Phyllodes tumour (regardless of size)
- •Recurrent breast cyst that re-fills after aspiration
- •Suspicious imaging or biopsy result
- •Patient preference for removal of a known benign lump
Before surgery
Pre-op visit: ultrasound localisation of the lump, marking with a skin pen, fasting instructions, anaesthetic review, and consent. Routine bloods are usually all that is needed.
The procedure
Under short general anaesthesia or sedation. A small incision (3–4 cm) is placed in the most hidden location — around the areolar edge, in the inframammary fold, or in the axilla — depending on lump position. The lump is removed with a thin margin of normal tissue and sent for histology. The cavity is closed in layers with absorbable sutures and skin glue or fine subcuticular stitches.
Recovery — week by week
Day 0–1: Mild soreness controlled with paracetamol and short course of ibuprofen. Sports bra worn day and night for 7 days. Shower allowed from day 2.
Week 1: Return to desk-based work and light driving.
Week 2: Stitches dissolve or removed; histology results reviewed.
Week 3–4: Resume gym, swimming, full upper-body activity.
Scar care
Silicone gel from week 2 onwards, daily SPF 50 sunscreen, gentle massage from week 3. Most scars fade to a thin pale line within 6–12 months.
Risks
Low overall: bruising (common, settles in 2 weeks), small haematoma (<2%), infection (<1%), seroma, asymmetry. Long-term sensation usually preserved.