Description

Breast Lesion Excision

Familiarity with Treatment: Breast lesion excision, also known as an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a lump or abnormal tissue from the breast. This procedure is often performed to diagnose or treat breast cancer or other benign breast conditions.

Procedure Explanation:

1. Preparation: The patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and a sedative to help them relax. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
2. Localization: If the lesion is not palpable, a radiologist may use imaging techniques like mammography or ultrasound to guide a thin wire or marker to the lesion.
3. Surgery: The surgeon makes an incision in the breast and removes the lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The removed tissue is often X-rayed to ensure the correct area has been excised.
4. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and the tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination.

Who is it Suitable For?

• Individuals with a suspicious breast lump or abnormal mammogram findings.
• Patients with benign breast conditions causing symptoms or concern.
• Those diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Patients with advanced breast cancer requiring more extensive surgery.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that may increase surgical risks.

Advantages

• Provides a definitive diagnosis by allowing a thorough examination of the tissue.
• Can be curative for benign lesions and some early-stage cancers.
• Minimally invasive compared to more extensive breast surgeries.

Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or hematoma formation.
• Changes in breast shape or appearance.
• Pain or discomfort post-surgery.

Previous Care

• Preoperative imaging tests like mammograms or ultrasounds.
• Consultation with a surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks.
• Fasting and avoiding certain medications as instructed before surgery.

Aftercare

• Keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
• Taking prescribed pain medications as needed.
• Avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by the surgeon.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and review pathology results.