A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a discrete portion, or lump, of breast tissue, usually performed to treat a malignant tumor or breast cancer. Because the amount of tissue removed is limited compared with a full mastectomy, it is considered a viable breast-conservation therapy that can offer physical and emotional advantages over more disfiguring surgery, and it is typically recommended for patients with early-stage cancer and smaller tumors, for conditions such as ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma. The procedure can also serve a diagnostic purpose, confirming or excluding malignancy, though possible complications include increased sensitivity, scar tissue, pain and, if a significant amount of tissue is removed, disfigurement of the breast.
Facts
Disputed
Origin YearPartial removal of a breast lump predates formal validation, but 1981 marks the Veronesi randomized trial establishing breast-conserving surgery (quadrantectomy), the basis of the modern lumpectomy, as an accepted alternative to radical mastectomy. Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpectomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpectomy, lead section
Lumpectomy is a surgical removal of a discrete portion or "lump" of breast tissue, usually in the treatment of a malignant tumor or breast cancer.
2. Wikipedia: Breast-conserving Surgery
WikipediaHistory section, Veronesi trial 1981Quote, History section, Veronesi trial 1981
Prior to 1981, there existed limited evidence that breast-conserving surgery was an acceptable alternative to radical mastectomy for treatment of early stage breast cancer.
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