Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery | Indications, Recovery & Cost

At PACE Hospitals, state-of-the-art advanced operation theatre is equipped with 3D HD laparoscopic equipment and world-class robotic surgery to perform minimally invasive major and supra-major Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery for breast cancer treatment.


We are having team of the surgical oncologist - best breast cancer surgeons in Hyderabad they are having more than 35 years of extensive experience in treating breast cancer.

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What is lumpectomy surgery and its purpose?

Lumpectomy meaning


Lumpectomy is also called as Breast-conserving surgery (BCS), it is a surgical procedure to remove only the part of the cancer area (lump) in the breast while preserving as much normal breast tissue as feasible. To ensure that all of the abnormal tissue is removed, some healthy tissue and lymph nodes are usually removed as well. Depending on the lump’s size and location, the tissue will be removed. 


Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is sometimes also called as quadrantectomy, segmental mastectomy or partial mastectomy that depends upon quantity of tissue and lymph nodes is removed. Radiation therapy is typically used after BCS. This eliminates any cancer cells that may have remained after surgery to remove the primary tumour. In some cases, the patient receives both chemotherapy and radiation treatment after BCS. 

Lumpectomy meaning | Lumpectomy surgery | Breast lumpectomy | Breast conserving surgery definition | Breast conserving surgery procedure

Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery Indications

Lumpectomy or Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is recommended for patients with early-stage breast cancer. In some minor cases, once lumpectomy is done, the patient might not required to go for further cancer evaluation as BCS followed by radiation therapy can remove the tumour area completely. Additionally, Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) indicated for:


  • Patient with a tumour less than 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter, which should also be small in relation to the size of the breast.
  • The patient should possess a single breast tumour or multifocal tumours that are near enough to each other so that removing them all at once won't drastically alter the breast's appearance.
  • Patients who are pregnant and won't need radiation therapy right away (to avoid risking harm to the foetus).
  • Patients who are open to radiation therapy after undergoing BCS. 

Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery Contraindications

Lumpectomy or Breast-conserving surgery contraindications can be categorised into two types:

  • Relative Contraindications
  • Absolute Contraindications


Relative Contraindications:

  • Patients who have undergone earlier breast or chest wall radiation therapy. 
  • Patients with wide-ranging positive pathological margins.
  • Patients with known or suspected Li-Fraumeni syndrome (p53 mutation).


Absolute Contraindications:

  • Patients with first-trimester pregnancy, where radiation therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy.
  • Patients with multicentric disease and inflammatory breast cancer.
  • Spread of possible malignant microcalcification.
  • Patients with extensive ductal carcinoma in situ. 
  • Patients on which a lumpectomy cannot be performed due to the presence of unobtainable clear margins.
  • Patient with a BRCA or ATM mutation, which may increase susceptibility to a second breast cancer
  • Patients with significant connective tissue illnesses, including scleroderma, which can harden skin and other tissues, preventing the patient from healing following a lumpectomy surgery.
  • Patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus that could be made worse by radiation therapy.
  • Patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of their breast or their skin and may not benefit from a lumpectomy surgery.

Preparation for Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS)

  • The entire procedure and risk (if any) of the breast-conserving surgery will be explained clearly to the patient, and the patient will be provided with a consent form to sign, which gives permission to do the procedure. It is important for the patient to read the consent document carefully and ask any questions they may have before signing.
  • The physician will ask for the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination to ensure the patient is healthy enough for the procedure.
  • The physician might be requesting to have blood or any other tests.
  • The patient should not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours prior to the surgery.


The patient needs to inform the surgeon regarding:

  • Current or intended pregnancy status of the patient.
  • History of allergies such as latex, tape, and any medicines (including local and general anaesthesia).
  • Medication intake (current medication), which includes prescribed, non-prescribed (over-the-counter), and supplemental medications. The physician would make specific recommendations to the patient regarding any medication changes.
  • History of bleeding disorders and intake of any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. The surgeon might suggest the patient to stop them until the surgery.
  • In some cases, the breast surgeon may seek out a plastic/reconstructive surgeon for a team approach procedure known as an oncoplastic lumpectomy if the tumour is particularly large.
  • If the patient intends to have radiation therapy after surgery, the patient should consult with a radiation oncologist before the procedure to weigh the pros and cons of radiation therapy.
  • The surgeon may provide any other instructions based on the patient’s medical condition.
  • The position of the incision for a palpable lump (lumps that can be identified with a touch or feel) is determined by the location of the lump. In the case of an impalpable one, the radiologist will attempt to locate cancer cells by putting a small chip or wire through or near the abnormality just prior to surgery (one day prior). The wire is introduced under ultrasonographic guidance for lesions evident on ultrasonography and for those that are not visible on ultrasonography, this is done under stereotactic control.

During Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS)

A Breast Conserving Surgery is an inpatient procedure and requires a hospital stay and is usually carried out while the patient is under local or general anaesthesia and completely unconscious. Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy) might take one to two hours to complete.


Generally, a Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) follows the below process:

  • The patient will be provided with a surgical gown to change the dress. 
  • The patient will be inserting with an intravenous line into the arm or hand, through which medications and sedatives will be administered.
  • The patient will be made to lie on their back on the operating table. During surgery, the patient’s vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level) will be monitored.
  • Before making the incision in the skin, the surgeon makes sure the lump is clearly marked with an indelible marker. 
  • A sterile solution will be used to clean the area of the surgical site.
  • Over or near the breast tumour, a tiny cut (incision) will be created. The lump or abnormality will be removed by the surgeon, followed by the removal of some of the surrounding normal breast tissue.
  • If the lymph nodes under the patient’s armpit are to be removed, a separate surgical cut in or near the armpit may be made. 
  • The removed tissue will be sent for the examination of clean margin.
  • The surgeon will be inserting one or more tiny plastic tubes (drainage tube) at the site of the affected area. Any excess fluids that build up after surgery (seroma) can be drained away through these tubes, where they are stitched into place and the ends are connected to a drainage bulb that can suction up the fluid.
  • The surgical area will be closed with stitches or adhesive strips and the area will 
  • be covered with a sterile bandage or dressing.

Post Lumpectomy - Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS)

Once the patient's vital signs (heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure) have stabilised, they will be transferred to a recovery room. The recovery period will differ based on the anaesthetic used. The patient might likely go home 2 to 3 days after Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS).


The physician will provide specific instructions related to the incision, drain care, signs of infection, and dressing at the time of discharge, such as: 

  • If adhesive strips were used at the time of bathing, they should be kept dry.
  • The physician might prescribe a painkiller, which can be used by the patient at times of severe pain, as the soreness should decrease over time.
  • The physician will provide special instructions with regard to the usage of medications that were stopped earlier, prior to surgery.
  • The physician might suggest wearing a surgical bra for support, for a period of time.
  • The physician would be providing information on how to empty the drain. These drains will be removed 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery.
  • The patient should not do any strenuous exercises or be involved in any work where the patent needs to use her arm too much, until the physician approves to do so.
  • Depending on the patient’s situation, the physician might provide other instructions.

Recovering from breast-conserving surgery

The recovery from breast-conserving surgery will vary from case to case, as the healing time after Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) surgery can be up to 15 to 20 days.


  • If the patient had a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, the patient is likely to feel well enough and be able to return to work in 2 to 3 days, with physical activities resumed within 7 days.
  • If the patient had a lumpectomy with a lymph node biopsy, the patient is likely to feel well enough and be able to return to work in 7 to 10 days.


In the process of healing, the patient will probably feel tired and have some pain within 24 to 48 hours after the lumpectomy. The patient may experience firmness, swelling, and tenderness, as well as bruises, at the site of the incision. Firmness and swelling may remain for 3 to 6 months, tenderness for 2 to 3 days, and bruising for 2 weeks, after which the patient can normally resume regular activities.

Radiotherapy after Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) - Lumpectomy

Radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery is used for most women, as this combination (adding radiation after a lumpectomy) is considered as effective as having all the breast tissue removed (mastectomy). The radiation can eliminate or kill any remaining cancer cells and decrease the chance of the cancer reappearing in the chest wall or lymph nodes. According to NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines, patients with invasive breast cancer who are undergoing breast conservation therapy should also be treated with whole breast radiation after surgery.


The surgeon might insert a small metallic-like clip (which may show up on x-rays) in the breast during surgery to indicate the area where the cancer was removed, allowing more precise aiming of the radiation.

After lumpectomy surgery, radiation treatment options might include:


  • Radiation to the entire breast: Also known as whole-breast irradiation, it is one of the most common types of radiation therapy following a lumpectomy surgery and often consists of full breast external beam radiation. 
  • Radiation to part of the breast: For certain women with early-stage breast cancers, a treatment option may be radiation therapy to a portion of the breast (partial-breast irradiation). This method involves targeting the area around the excision site with radiation therapy, either from the inside or the outside.

What questions to ask post lumpectomy surgery?

After surgery, the patient might have the following questions before getting discharged.

  • What was the size of the tumour removed?
  • Were all the cancer cells removed during lumpectomy surgery?
  • What are the possibilities of breast cancer returning?
  • Will I need to take any more medication following breast-conserving surgery, even if the cancer cells were completely removed? If so, what is the reason for this, and for how long do I need to take it?
  • Is the cancer spreading to other parts of the body?
  • Is there any malignancy in any of the lymph nodes? How many, if any, and how many lymph nodes were removed?
  • Can you explain my pathology report (lab results)?
  • Do I need additional surgery post lumpectomy?
  • Will lumpectomy surgery have an impact on my arm? How long will this last? Will my arm require physical therapy? 
  • When will I be able to return to work and/or my daily routine? Is there anything I should avoid doing?
  • If I have any side effects, who should I contact? And when will it be?
  • Do you recommend any genetic testing of the tumour?

Arm care after lymph node removal

Following lymph node removal, the patient is more vulnerable to infection as a result of the arm injury, as well as an increased risk of blood clots in the armpit veins. The patient must take ongoing precautions, to prevent problems in the affected arm for the rest of the patient life, such as: 

  • No injections or intravenous lines were inserted into the patient’s affected arm.
  • Patients should pay close attention to the guidance given regarding arm exercises.
  • When carrying heavy objects, the patient should not strain their weaker arm or shoulder; instead, use both hands.
  • For lymphatic drainage, raise the affected arm so that the hand is above the elbow.
  • The patient should not step outside under the hot sun.
  • No blood pressure readings should be taken from the affected arms.
  • The patient should keep the affected arm free from harm, such as cuts and splinters and should also wear gloves before doing any work that could cause a cut, such as working with harsh chemicals like detergents or household cleaners.
  • The patient should avoid wearing tight clothing on the injured arm, such as elastic wristbands, tight watches, and other jewellery. 
  • Patients should shave their armpits with a clean razor.
  • Depending on the patient’s situation, the physician might provide other instructions.

Risks / Complication of Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS)

All surgeries carry the risk of wound bleeding and infection. In addition to these, breast-conserving surgery can cause the following possible complications.

  • Temporary breast swelling
  • Pain in the breasts 
  • Formation of scar tissue at the wound site (incision)
  • Arm swelling (lymphedema) after lymph node removal 
  • Shoulder stiffness and pain 
  • After breast-conserving surgery, the breast may contain clear fluid (seroma) in the dead space.
  • Changes in breast shape and appearance, especially if a large area is removed.
Know More: Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy

  • Is breast-conserving surgery effective and safe?

    Yes, breast conservation surgery is safe and effective when followed with radiation therapy, and has similar long-term survival rates as women who undergo mastectomy. It is the preferred therapeutic procedure for all early detected breast cancers. Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS) provides a much better cosmetic effect, compared to radical treatments in patients with grade I and II tumors in breast cancer.

  • How long does it take to heal after a lumpectomy surgery?

    It varies depending on the patient's situation and the severity of the procedure; however, many people feel completely recovered two weeks after having a lumpectomy surgery. The patient feels well enough to return to work two or three days after a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, whereas, the patient needs to take up to a week off from work after a lumpectomy with a lymph node biopsy to recover.

  • Is breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy same?

    The removal of breast tissue differs slightly between the two, yet both are used to treat breast cancer. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) removes only the cancer cells while leaving as much healthy breast tissue as possible intact. Lymph nodes and some surrounding healthy tissues can also be removed. Breast conservation surgery is also known as a lumpectomy. Mastectomy, on the other hand, is a surgical surgery that involves the removal of all breast tissue from a breast in order to treat or prevent breast cancer.

  • How soon after lumpectomy surgery does radiation start?

    Unless chemotherapy is scheduled, radiation therapy normally begins three to eight weeks after surgery. When chemotherapy is prescribed, radiation normally begins three to four weeks after the completion of chemotherapy treatment. The radiation therapy includes one radiation treatment each day, five days in a week, for five or six weeks.

How much does a lumpectomy cost in India?

The average cost of lumpectomy surgery in India is approximately Rs. 58,000 (fifty-eight thousand only). However, Breast Conserving Surgery - lumpectomy cost in India may vary depending upon the different hospitals in different cities.


Breast cancer surgery - lumpectomy cost in Hyderabad ranges vary from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 78,000 (forty-five thousand to seventy-eight thousand). However, cost for breast conservation surgery or lumpectomy depends upon the multiple factors such as stage of the breast cancer, severity, selection of room for hospital stay and corporate, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), ESI, Employee And Journalist Health Scheme by Telangana State Government, EHS or insurance approval for cashless facility.

Frequently asked questions:

  • What if I don’t do radiation after lumpectomy surgery?

    If the patient doesn’t undergo radiation treatment after lumpectomy surgery, the risk of recurrence will be higher. Radiation therapy uses X-rays, protons, and other high-energy particles to treat breast cancer cells. Following lumpectomy surgery, the surgeon may recommend radiation treatment to remove any remaining cancer cells. When radiation is given after a lumpectomy, the chances of cancer recurrence in the breast are greatly reduced.

  • What does a breast look like after lumpectomy surgery?

    A dent, bulge, or other deformation of the breast shape may emerge near the surgical site, and the patient's breasts may look different in size than the other breast after the procedure. Breast reconstruction is a post-surgical procedure where the woman can have a better cosmetic appearance.

  • Does breast tissue grow back after lumpectomy surgery?

    No, breast tissue cannot regrow following a lumpectomy surgery. However, lost tissue can be replaced by fat tissue from another location of the patient's body during the breast reconstruction process.

  • What to wear after lumpectomy surgery?

    On the first week or two after the surgery, the patients will be suggested to wear a wireless bra 24 hours a day. In order to reduce the formation of serous fluid, the patient needs to wear the compression garment. 

  • Does lumpectomy breast cancer need drainage?

    Yes, the physician will be inserting one or more tiny plastic tubes (drainage tubes) at the site of the affected area for the patient who underwent lumpectomy surgery. Any excess fluids that build up after surgery can be drained away through these tubes, where they are stitched into place and the ends are connected to a drainage bulb that can suction up the fluid. Drains are often left in place until the volume of drainage is minimal (<30 mL/day).

  • What is Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery?

    Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) is when a patient with breast cancer gets a radical resection of the tumour while keeping the breast's natural shape. It is a combination of reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction surgery) and mastopexy (cosmetic breast surgery to lift the breasts) techniques with breast-conserving surgery. This principle could be used for everyone with breast cancer except those who need a total mastectomy.

  • What are breast-conserving surgery margins?

    A lumpectomy is a surgical operation used to treat breast cancer in which the tumour and the border of normal tissue surrounding it are removed. The border is referred to as the "surgical margin" (the edge or border of the tissue removed during cancer surgery). A pathologist will examine this margin to discover the existence of any cancer cells. If cancer cells are identified (positive margin) between the tumour and the margin, additional surgery may be required; if they are not discovered (negative or clean margin), the chances of reoccurrence are limited.