Pre-operative Evaluation: Before undergoing a breast lumpectomy, patients typically undergo:

• Imaging studies: Such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans to locate the tumor accurately.
• Biopsy: To confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the type and grade of the tumor.
• Discussion with a multidisciplinary team: Including surgeons, oncologists, and radiation therapists to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Surgical Procedure: The breast lumpectomy procedure involves several key steps:

• Anesthesia: Patients receive either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure comfort during the surgery.
• Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision over or near the tumor site, accessing the breast tissue.
• Tumor Removal: Using precise surgical techniques, the surgeon removes the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision.
• Lymph Node Evaluation: In some cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to assess lymph node involvement.

Post-operative Care: Following breast lumpectomy, patients are provided with comprehensive post-operative care instructions, which may include:

• Pain management: Prescription or over-the-counter medications to alleviate post-operative discomfort.
• Wound care: Proper wound care techniques to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Physical activity: Gradual resumption of normal activities while avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Follow-up appointments: Scheduled visits with the surgical team for wound checks, pathology results review, and treatment planning.

Potential Risks and Complications: While breast lumpectomy is generally considered safe, potential risks and complications may include:

• Bleeding and infection at the surgical site.
• Swelling, bruising, or changes in breast shape.
• Numbness or tingling in the breast or surrounding area.
• Rarely, damage to nearby structures such as nerves or blood vessels.