Treatment after lumpectomy

The removed tissue is examined to describe the tumour, its margins and features that guide treatment. Your team may also consider lymph-node findings, hormone receptors, HER2 status, age, other health conditions and your preferences. A clear margin may mean no further breast surgery is needed, while cancer at or near a margin can lead to discussion of another excision or mastectomy.

Radiotherapy is often discussed after breast-conserving surgery because it treats remaining breast tissue. The exact plan depends on your pathology and treatment goals. Your diagnosis may be discussed alongside information about [Breast Cancer](/conditions/breast-cancer/) or [Paget Disease of the Breast](/conditions/paget-disease-of-the-breast/).

Keep the wound clean and follow instructions about dressings, bathing, arm movement and pain relief. Wear the recommended support garment if it feels comfortable. Attend the appointment where the pathology results are explained, and keep a written list of medicines and questions.

Ask when you can return to lifting, driving and work. Report persistent swelling, a fluid collection, increasing redness or discomfort. Your team may arrange [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/) or discuss medicines that reduce the chance of cancer returning, based on the tumour biology.

Contact your surgical team for fever, spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, or sudden swelling of the breast. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or heavy bleeding. New arm swelling or reduced movement also deserves review because early support can improve comfort and function.

Ask what the pathology report shows, whether the margins and lymph nodes are clear, whether radiotherapy or medicine is recommended, and whether another operation is needed. If another operation is discussed, ask how [Mastectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/mastectomy/) compares with another [Lumpectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/lumpectomy/) for your situation.