What is a partial mastectomy?

Partial mastectomy, also known as a lumpectomy, is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous or abnormal tissue from the breast. Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a partial mastectomy only removes a portion of the breast tissue. The remaining breast tissue is left intact, and the breast's original shape is retained as much as possible.

A partial mastectomy may be recommended for women with early-stage breast cancer or for those with a tumor that is small and localized. This procedure may also be used as a form of prophylaxis for women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.

After a partial mastectomy, radiation therapy is frequently recommended. This helps to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are killed, lowering the likelihood of cancer recurrence. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery, meaning that patients can go home the same day. Recovery time is typically faster than with a mastectomy, and the side effects are usually milder as well.