A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery that involves the removal of a breast lump and a surrounding margin of tissue. Unlike a partial or full mastectomy, which involves removal of most or all breast tissue, a lumpectomy allows a woman to retain most of her breast. Depending upon the size and location of the lump, unwanted cosmetic complications, changes to breast sensation and other surgical complications may occur.
Cosmetic Complications
The removal of a lump from your breast can result in unwanted cosmetic changes. If the lump is large and requires removal of a sizable section of tissue, the shape and contour of your breast may change dramatically. This can lead to a noticeable difference in shape or size between your two breasts. Even removing small- to moderate-sized lumps can cause some dimpling or scarring, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In some cases, reconstructive surgery on the affected breast may be necessary to make the breasts appear more symmetrical. Alternatively, a plastic surgeon may reduce the size of the unaffected breast during a lumpectomy to make it more consistent with the breast in which the lump was removed, the American Cancer Society notes.
Changes in Sensation
Removal of a lump from the breast can cause changes in sensation around the site of the lumpectomy. Because surgery can affect the nerves in surrounding breast tissue, you may develop numbness in the affected breast or nipple. According to Aurora Health Care, if lymph nodes are also removed during the lumpectomy procedure, you may experience pain, numbness, tingling or "pins and needles" in the area of the inner arm or underarm.
Surgical Complications
The American Cancer Society reports that some women who have had a lumpectomy may experience pain, swelling and tenderness around the surgical area. While these symptoms are usually mild and temporary, they can persist and become chronic or bothersome. A lumpectomy also may cause an accumulation of blood or excess fluid to form in the wound, according to Aurora Health Care. A drain may be required to get rid of the excess fluid; very rarely, uncontrolled bleeding or localized or spreading infection can occur.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it also is possible for microscopic pieces of tissue to be left in the breast at the time of surgery. If an insufficient margin of tissue surrounding the lump was removed, cancerous tissue may remain in the breast, necessitating another surgery to fully remove the malignancy.
Other general complications that can occur during surgery include the formation of blood clots that can travel to the lungs, heart or brain, serious infection or bleeding and allergic reactions to medication or anesthesia.
