Partial mastectomy

Partial mastectomy is the most common form of breast cancer surgery. Your surgeon will remove only the part of your breast containing the tumor and some of the normal tissue that surrounds it.

All of the removed tissue will be carefully examined by our pathologists to verify that the margins (the normal tissue surrounding the tumor) are cancer-free. Although you will have already discussed your treatment plan with your doctor, the course of treatment may change depending on the results of your surgery.

Any form of surgery that removes only part of the breast is considered "breast-conserving" or "breast preservation" surgery. You may hear your surgeon use any one of several names to describe your procedure: biopsy, lumpectomy or partial mastectomy.

Technically, a lumpectomy is a partial mastectomy, because part of the breast is removed. However, the amount of tissue removed can vary greatly. Discuss with your surgeon the plans for your surgery and reconstruction, so that you have a clear understanding of all your options.

What can I expect?

1. After the anesthesia takes effect and you are fully unconscious, an incision is made into the breast. Part of the breast tissue that surrounded the tumor is removed from the overlying skin and the underlying muscle.
2. One or two small plastic drains are usually left in place to prevent fluid from collecting in the space where the breast tissue used to be.
3. Your surgeon will usually decide to remove these drains when the amount of fluid drainage decreases to an acceptable volume. This may take from a few days to more than a week . Many women go home with their drains and have them removed during a subsequent office visit.

How should I prepare?

Your breast surgeon and nurse care coordinator will give you specific instructions about preparing for surgery. These will likely include

• guidelines on eating and drinking
• tips to quit smoking
• instructions to take or avoid certain vitamins and medications for a period of time before your surgery

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you for a few days.