|
|
Breast Lump Removal
Alternate Names : Excisional Biopsy, Lumpectomy, Wide Local Excision
DefinitionBreast lump removal is a surgical procedure to remove of a lump in the breast.
Pictures & Images
See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Description
A breast lump may be a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. Lumps most commonly occur in women, but can occur in men as well. Mammography and ultrasound are two imaging techniques used to evaluate breast lumps, but many people will need to have a tissue sample taken to determine if a suspicious lump is cancerous.
Tissue from a solid mass can be removed by needle biopsy -- a procedure in which a needle is placed into the lump to sample the tissue to check for cancer cells. When the entire lump is surgically removed, the procedure is called a lumpectomy.
For a lumpectomy, general or local anesthesia with or without sedatives is used. Once the area is pain-free, an incision is made and the lump is removed, as is the surrounding rim of normal breast tissue. The lump is then sent to a laboratory for examination.
For a cyst, a needle and syringe are used to drain fluid. If the cystic fluid is clear or green in color, not bloody, and the cyst disappears completely when drained, nothing further needs to be done. If the fluid is bloody, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis. If there is still a lump after the cyst fluid is drained, or if the lump disappears but returns later, it is typically surgically removed.
Only a small portion of all breast lumps are malignant, but the risk increases with age.
Today's Top News Stories | | Twofold Action Urged for Pre-Diabetes - Jul 23, 2008, 16:00 Goal is to prevent progression to the full-blown disease and its huge costs | | Targeted Drug Boosts Survival Among Liver Cancer Patients - Jul 23, 2008, 17:00 Sorafenib added three months for those with advanced disease, study finds.
| | Simple Procedure Improves Male Fertility - Jul 23, 2008, 14:00 Correcting varicose veins in scrotum boosts sperm count, motility, study finds. | | Soy Linked to Low Sperm Count - Jul 23, 2008, 19:00 Could affect fertility, especially in overweight and obese men, researchers report. | | Clinical Trials Update: July 23, 2008 - Jul 23, 2008, 09:58
- Neuropathy
- Breast Cancer
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
|
|
Jump to another section
Definition Breast Lump Removal: Overview & Description Breast Lump Removal: Indications Breast Lump Removal: Expectations after Surgery Breast Lump Removal: Convalescence & Recovery Breast Lump Removal: Risks
Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Breast Cancer
Tests & Exams
Breast Biopsy Mammography Ultrasound X-Ray
Surgery & Procedures
Mastectomy
Other Topics
Breast Lump Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy
Review Date : 5/2/2002
Reviewed By : Julie A. Miller, M.D., Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|