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Lumpectomy & Axillary Dissections

© Bobbi Jones

In this article I will discuss lumpectomies and axillary dissections. You also have the option of having a mastectomy. After reading this article and the next on mastectomies you should have an idea of which path you choose to take. In some cases, such as my own, you are not given a choice, but believe me, you still have that choice. If you choose to go against your doctor's wishes I can only hope that you have done your research and are completely comfortable with your choice. My mom would use this saying a lot when I was younger, "When in doubt, Don't."

LUMPECTOMY

Also known as Breast Conserving Surgery.

This procedure is to remove the cancerous tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. The advantage of a lumpectomy is that it preserves the appearance of the breast. Another advantage is that there is usually very little or no reconstruction involved. The disadvantage is all patients who undergo the lumpectomy must have radiation therapy, typically 6-7 weeks of it.

There have been some women that have lumpectomies who have to go back and have them again and again to continue to remove the cancerous tissue and/or tumor. In my personal opinion this does not happen that often. Most surgeons remove the cancerous tumor and tissue during the first procedure.

Some people question the survival rate of women who have lumpectomies vs. women who have mastectomies. I can offer this little piece of information. With lumpectomy, it's possible for local re-occurance, which can be treated with removing the breast (mastectomy).

Some women will also undergo an axillary dissection along with the lumpectomy. This procedure is discussed below in detail.

Actual Surgery

Lumpectomy Alone - Most lumpectomies are performed as an outpatient procedure. The length of time varies on the size and involvement with the surrounding tissue. In most cases you are put under general anesthesia during the surgery and awaken when the surgeon has finished. You can expect to stay in recovery an hour or so and then released. You will need someone there to drive you home.

Lumpectomy w/ Axillary Dissection - This particular procedure will be performed in hospitals most of the time. I would say the average stay is 1 day. Please see below for Axillary Dissection.

AXILLARY DISSECTION

The removal of lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit).

This procedure can occur with lumpectomies and mastectomies. It is very rarely performed alone. Some or all of the lymph nodes are removed.