Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery)
A lumpectomy removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue, preserving most of the breast. Miss Dua uses oncoplastic techniques to maintain a natural shape.
What is it?
Lumpectomy, also called wide local excision, is a breast-conserving operation that removes the cancer and a small amount of surrounding tissue. The majority of the breast remains intact.
Why might someone consider it?
- Your cancer is small enough to be removed without removing the whole breast
- You want to preserve as much of your natural breast as possible
- You want an oncoplastic approach to maintain breast shape
What happens during your consultation?
Miss Dua will review your imaging and explain whether lumpectomy is suitable. She will discuss the incision placement and how the breast shape will be maintained.
Treatment or surgical process
The cancer is removed with a margin of healthy tissue. Miss Dua may use oncoplastic techniques to reshape the breast tissue and minimise any dent or distortion.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day or after one night. Recovery is typically one to two weeks.
Results
Pathology results confirm whether the margins are clear. If further tissue is needed, a second operation may be arranged.
Scarring
Incisions are placed to minimise visible scarring, often in natural breast creases or around the areola.
Risks and considerations
- Positive margins may require a second operation
- Changes in breast sensation
- Seroma or wound healing issues
- Radiotherapy is usually needed after lumpectomy
Miss Dua's approach
Miss Dua uses oncoplastic displacement techniques to move breast tissue into the surgical defect, preventing the dent that can occur after standard lumpectomy.
Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery) — frequently asked questions
Will my breast look different after lumpectomy?
Oncoplastic techniques help maintain breast shape, though some change is possible. Miss Dua will discuss what to expect.
Will I always need radiotherapy after lumpectomy?
In most cases, yes. Your oncology team will advise based on your pathology.
Where Miss Dua sees patients
Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Spire Hartswood Hospital
Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Spire Hartswood Hospital
Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Spire Hartswood Hospital
Wharfside Health Centre (Bupa Canary Wharf)
Wharfside Health Centre (Bupa Canary Wharf), Cromwell Hospital
Sascha's expert insight
Miss Sascha Dua regularly shares her clinical insight on Top Doctors to help patients understand surgical options, risks and recovery.
Breast reconstruction surgery: what are the different options?
Miss Sascha Dua outlines the three core surgical pathways for breast reconstruction following cancer treatment, explaining implant-based, autologous tissue and oncoplastic techniques.
Related treatments
Ready to speak to the clinic?
If you would like to arrange an appointment with Miss Sascha Dua, contact the clinic or send an enquiry.