Breast conserving surgery (BCS) removes the cancer while preserving as much normal breast as possible. Typically, some rim of surrounding healthy breast tissue and lymph nodes in axilla are removed. Remaining breast and nipple areola complex is preserved maintaining the breast contour to near normal.
This surgery is also known as lumpectomy, quadrantectomyor segmental mastectomy depending on how much tissue is removed.
Oncoplastic Breast surgery is the newer addition to lumpectomy where plastic surgery procedures are used in same sitting to reconstruct the breast defect.
Who can have this surgery?
The surgery preserves most of the breast tissue for early-stage cancer, followed by radiation therapy. In contrast, mastectomy removes the entire breast, potentially reducing the need for immediate radiation. Breast conserving surgery can be offered to women with early breast cancer (stage I,II). It can also be done for few advanced breast cancers (stage III) after downstagingtumour size with help of chemotherapy, known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
It might be a good option if you:
- Cancers measuring less than 3 cm in diameter, or larger with adequate breast volume.
- Tumors confined to one quadrant of the breast.
- Sufficient breast volume for tumor removal without causing distortion.
- Ability to undergo breast radiation therapy, required for invasive disease but not always for small volume DCIS.
Maintains self-esteem and Physical image
- This surgery helps maintain self-worth and body image, benefiting many women.
- Women choosing surgery often feel better about their bodies and more confident than those opting for mastectomy (complete removal).
- Those who undergo surgery report improved psycho-social well-being and higher satisfaction with their breasts’ appearance.
Treatment after breast-conserving surgery
Most women need radiation therapy after the surgery, often using metallic clips for targeting the radiation dose. Many will also have hormone therapy to reduce future cancer recurrence risk. Chemotherapy, if needed, usually precedes radiation and hormone therapies, which are delayed until chemotherapy is completed.
Recovering from surgery
Most women resume their normal activities within two weeks, however some may require home support depending on the degree of the operation.
- Avoid driving until pain-free and heavy lifting to reduce post-operative swelling. Follow your surgeon’s advice on post operative rehabilitation.
- Wear a soft, supportive, non-underwired bra (sports bra) during healing and consider wearing it also at night for better comfort.
Possible side effects of breast-conserving surgery
- Pain or soreness in the breast
- Firm scar tissue and/or a dimple that develops at the surgery location. Post operative edema settles to normal in 6-8 weeks after surgery.
- Swelling of the breast caused by a buildup of fluid (seroma).
- Neuropathic (nerve) pain (also known as scorching or shooting pain) in the chest wall, armpit, or arm that improves over time. This can also occur in few mastectomy patients and is known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome.
Together, we can empower women with knowledge, support, and optimism in their journey towards healing and survivorship.
