What happens after lumpectomy?

You may have soreness, bruising, swelling, or numbness around the breast and incision. A dressing may cover the wound, and some people go home the same day while others stay longer for observation. The removed tissue is examined by a pathologist. Your team uses the report to assess the tumour and the edges of the removed tissue, then discusses whether additional treatment is needed.

Breast-conserving surgery is often followed by radiotherapy to the remaining breast tissue. The timing depends on wound healing and the rest of your treatment plan. A change in breast shape or firmness can settle gradually, although the treated area may remain different.

Keep the incision clean and follow the dressing instructions. Take prescribed pain relief as directed, wear the recommended support garment if advised, and avoid strenuous lifting until your surgical team says it is suitable. Gentle walking can help you stay mobile. Attend the appointment where your pathology results and next steps are explained, and bring a list of medicines, questions, and any new symptoms.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain, pus, wound separation, or fever. Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a rapidly enlarging breast swelling. These signs need assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask when the pathology report will be ready, whether the margins need further attention, when radiotherapy could begin, how to manage arm and shoulder movement, and which breast changes should be reported.