When is lumpectomy recommended for breast cancer?

The team considers the tumour's size and position, the breast size, whether there is one area or several, and what imaging shows. Biopsy results, lymph-node findings, cancer biology and any treatment given before surgery are also relevant. The aim is to remove the cancer with surrounding tissue; the removed specimen is examined to check its edges. A mastectomy may be discussed when a lumpectomy would not remove the disease adequately or would leave an unacceptable result.

Ask to review the mammogram, ultrasound or MRI findings and the proposed incision. Discuss whether chemotherapy, hormone treatment or another therapy comes before surgery, and whether radiotherapy is expected afterward. Tell the team about previous breast procedures, medicines and any possibility of pregnancy so planning is safe and complete.

Seek prompt clinical advice for a new breast change, nipple discharge, skin dimpling or a lump that persists. After an operation, contact the surgical team for fever, spreading redness, increasing swelling, wound drainage, uncontrolled pain or sudden breathlessness.

What area will be removed, and how might the breast look afterward? Will lymph nodes be sampled? Is radiotherapy part of the plan? What happens if the pathology shows cancer at the edge?