A Beginner’s Guide to Surgical Techniques in Breast Conserving Surgery For Breast Cancer Patients

If you or someone you know is considering breast saving surgery, it can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to walk you through the different ways specialist breast surgeons can do this procedure, explaining each method in simple terms.

Whether it’s taking out just the tumor or reshaping the breast to look natural after surgery, we’ll cover what these options mean for you, aiming to make you feel much more informed and at ease with the choices available to you.

We will break it down into bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces, so you can feel informed, empowered, and maybe even a bit more at ease if you or someone you love is facing this journey.

What is breast conserving surgery?

Breast conserving surgery is a choice for many people facing breast cancer who want to remove the cancer while retaining as much of their breasts as possible. The healthy tissue that surrounds the breast cancer is known as the “surgical margin”.

Lumpectomy’s are often referred to as “breast conserving surgery” because it leaves most of the breast intact compared to a mastectomy.

Sometimes patients will need to have one or more lymph nodes removed from the armpit. Radiotherapy to the breast post-surgery is usually recommended as well.

How long does the breast conserving surgical procedure take?

The procedure itself usually takes up to 1.5 hours.

However, there is preparation time like any surgery as well as recovery time post-operation while the anesthetic wears off.

What are the breast conserving surgical techniques?

Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy procedures have been the most common way to remove cancer and conserving as much breast tissue as possible.

Breast surgeons remove the tumor and a small margin of tissue around it to make sure they have collected all the potentially cancerous cells.

Recovery for this medical procedure is generally quicker, with most patients back to their normal routine within a couple of weeks.

Partial Mastectomy

A partial mastectomy takes a bit more tissue than a lumpectomy. It’s for when the tumor is a little bigger in size or the surgeon wants to be extra sure they’ve cleared the margins of the cancerous cells.

For this procedure, recovery is on the quicker side, but it might take a little longer to feel back to normal compared to a lumpectomy.

Oncoplastic Surgery

This is where science meets art. Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast afterward.

At Warrier Practice, breast surgeons work closely with plastic surgeons to perform reconstruction that meets the patients’ needs and wishes. It is expected that breasts post-surgery will show poor cosmetic results, so an option for some patients to explore is surgery using oncoplastic techniques to improve symmetry, nipple placement and the shape of the breast.

To be honest, it’s a game-changer for many, offering a way to keep the breast looking as natural as possible.

Recovery can vary considerably but think of it as getting two procedures at once: breast cancer removal as well as a cosmetic touch-up.

What is the recovery process like for breast conservation surgery?

Recovery from breast saving surgery can vary from patient to patient, so it’s challenging for us to provide exact information.

Some common threads include feeling tired, managing pain with medication, and gradually getting back into the swing of things.

We recommend patients to take things slow, not rush back into anything too physical and to look after your health.

It’s a journey, with everyone’s experience being a bit unique.

What are my next steps after surgery as a breast cancer patient?

Deciding on the type of surgery involves chats with your medical team. You’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of each, and consider what feels right for you.

It’s not just about the details of the surgery but also how you feel about it, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences.

At Warrier Practice, we want to empower you so you can make the most informed decision for your health. If you want to book a consultation to discuss your situation further, please contact us.

FAQs About Breast Conserving Surgery

Will I need other treatments after surgery?

Often, yes. Things like radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy might be on the table to make sure all the cancer cells are removed. We want to minimise the change of any risk of the cancer returning in the future.

How will surgery affect my breast’s appearance?

It varies. Some changes are noticeable, others not so much. Breast reconstruction using oncoplastic surgical techniques have really improved the area in keeping things looking as natural as possible.

Can breast saving surgery be done for all types of breast cancer?

Not always. It depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer. Your specialist breast consultant will guide you through the options based on your specific situation.

Sanjay’s Conclusion

Breast-conserving surgery has come a long way in recent years, offering options that simply weren’t imaginable just a generation ago. It is a complex disease as discussed in a 2024 research article titled ‘Breast conservation versus mastectomy for metaplastic breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis‘ and often requires an individual multidisciplinary approach.

Whether you’re leaning towards a lumpectomy or curious about the latest in oncoplastic techniques, the key is finding the path that feels right for you. It’s about taking control, making informed decisions, and moving forward with confidence.

A/Prof Sanjay Warrier is one of Sydney’s best breast surgeons and Dr Jue Lie Seah is a newly appointed specialist breast consultant and surgeon.