Breast Lump Surgery
Breast lump surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove a lump or abnormal tissue from the breast. While not all breast lumps are cancerous, surgical removal is often recommended when a lump is suspicious, painful, growing in size, or causing concern. The procedure may be performed as a diagnostic (biopsy) or therapeutic (excisional) measure. With advancements in surgical techniques, breast lump surgery is now safer, less invasive, and offers quicker recovery with minimal scarring.
Causes and Risk Factors
Breast lumps can form due to various reasons, and not all are linked to cancer. Common causes include cysts, fibroadenomas, infections, and in some cases, breast cancer. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast lumps:
– Hormonal changes (especially during menstrual cycles)
– Family history of breast cancer
– Fibrocystic breast changes
– Use of hormone replacement therapy
– Obesity and lifestyle factors
– Previous breast surgeries or trauma
Symptoms That May Require Surgery
While many breast lumps are benign, it is essential to monitor any changes and seek medical advice. Surgery may be considered if the following symptoms are present:
– A lump that persists or grows over time
– Painful or tender mass
– Nipple discharge or changes
– Skin dimpling or thickening
– Lump associated with redness or swelling
– Abnormal mammogram or ultrasound findings
Diagnosis
The first step in evaluating a breast lump involves a clinical breast examination followed by imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound. In some cases, an MRI may be used. A biopsy may be recommended to determine whether the lump is benign or malignant. If necessary, surgical excision is performed for further analysis or treatment.
Types of Breast Lump Surgery
There are two main types of surgical procedures for breast lumps:
– Lumpectomy (Excisional Biopsy): The most common procedure for removing a lump, where only the lump and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed. It is often performed under local or general anesthesia and allows for breast preservation.
– Mastectomy (in rare cases): If multiple suspicious lumps are present or if the lump is confirmed cancerous with exte