What to expect from lumpectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ

A lumpectomy removes the area containing ductal carcinoma in situ while leaving most of the breast in place. If the abnormal area cannot be felt, imaging may guide a wire or marker so the surgeon can locate it. The specimen is examined to check the edges and confirm the findings. A small drain is not always needed. The breast may look swollen, bruised or slightly different while it heals.

Your team may discuss radiotherapy or hormone treatment after the pathology result. These decisions depend on the size and features of the DCIS, the margins and your health preferences.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines, allergies and any bleeding problems. Arrange transport and help with household tasks for the first days. Follow wound-care instructions, wear the recommended supportive bra and use pain relief as directed. Gentle arm movement is usually introduced early, but avoid heavy lifting until your surgeon says it is appropriate. Keep your follow-up appointment so the pathology result and next steps can be explained.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, wound separation, pus, fever or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain or faintness. A firm area near the scar can occur during healing, but report a new or rapidly enlarging change.

Ask which imaging localisation method will be used, whether lymph nodes need assessment, when the pathology result is expected, what the margins show, how the breast may change in appearance and whether radiotherapy or hormone treatment is recommended.