✦ Lumpectomy (Wide Local Excision)

Lumpectomy (Wide Local Excision)

Q: Is lumpectomy as safe as mastectomy?

For appropriately selected early breast cancer, lumpectomy with radiotherapy delivers equivalent long-term survival to mastectomy. Local recurrence rates are slightly higher but do not affect overall survival outcomes.

Q: Will I need radiotherapy?

Yes — radiotherapy is a routine part of breast-conserving treatment and substantially reduces local recurrence. It typically starts 4–6 weeks after surgery and lasts 3–6 weeks depending on protocol.

Q: What if the margins are not clear?

A small number of cases need re-excision to achieve clear margins. This is usually a minor day-care procedure. If wide-margin control cannot be achieved, conversion to mastectomy may be recommended.

Q: How will my breast look afterward?

Most patients have a very acceptable cosmetic outcome, though there may be some change in shape or size. Oncoplastic techniques are used for larger excisions to maintain the best possible appearance.

The cancer is removed with a clear margin while preserving the rest of the breast — the standard breast-conserving approach for early-stage breast cancer.

45–90 min PROCEDURE

1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

2 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Lumpectomy (Wide Local Excision)?

Lumpectomy, also called wide local excision, is the standard breast-conserving operation for early-stage breast cancer. The tumour is removed with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue while the remainder of the breast is preserved. Combined with post-operative radiotherapy, it achieves long-term survival outcomes equivalent to mastectomy for suitable patients. Dr. Abhishek performs lumpectomy at Lux Hospitals with careful attention to oncological margins and breast shape, often combined with sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Marking

General anaesthesia is given; the tumour is localised by palpation, wire, or clip under imaging guidance.

Incision Planning

A cosmetically placed incision is made over or near the tumour — considering nipple position and breast shape.

Wide Excision

The tumour is removed with a clear margin (usually 1 cm) of healthy breast tissue; margins are orientated for pathology.

Cavity Clip Placement

Radio-opaque clips are placed in the cavity to guide post-operative radiotherapy planning.

Closure

The cavity is reshaped where appropriate; skin is closed cosmetically; drains are rarely needed.

Outcomes

45–90 minDURATION

1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Preserves the breast, equivalent survival to mastectomy when combined with radiotherapy
→Day-care or short-stay procedure with rapid recovery
→Cosmetically planned incisions protect breast appearance
→Can be combined with sentinel node biopsy in one sitting
→Lower psychological and physical impact than mastectomy
→Standard of care for early breast cancer worldwide

For early breast cancer, lumpectomy with radiotherapy gives the same survival as mastectomy — with the breast preserved. Our goal is always clear margins and a breast the patient is happy to look at in the mirror.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lumpectomy as safe as mastectomy?+

Will I need radiotherapy?+

What if the margins are not clear?+

How will my breast look afterward?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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