Specialized Approaches

Not every woman facing breast cancer needs a mastectomy. For many, breast-conserving surgery—called a lumpectomy—is an option. When paired with oncoplastic surgery techniques, the breast can often be reshaped during the same procedure to help preserve a natural look.

What is a Lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy is surgery to remove the cancerous tumor (or lump) along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it, while keeping the rest of the breast.

• Goal: Take out the cancer while preserving as much of your breast as possible.

• Size & location matter: Whether a lumpectomy is possible depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and the overall size of your breast.

• Follow-up treatment: Most women who have lumpectomy will also need radiation therapy to lower the risk of cancer returning in the breast.

What to expect:

• Outpatient or short hospital stay

• Soreness, bruising, or swelling in the breast for a few weeks

• A small scar, which may fade over time

What is Oncoplastic Surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to improve cosmetic results after a lumpectomy.

• Reshaping during surgery: Once the lump is removed, your surgeon rearranges the remaining breast tissue to fill in the space and restore a natural breast shape.

• Balancing both breasts: Sometimes, a breast reduction or lift is done on the other breast at the same time so both sides match.

• Why it helps: Without reshaping, a lumpectomy can leave dents, hollows, or unevenness. Oncoplastic surgery reduces these changes.

Why Women Choose This Option

• Keeps most of your breast: You don’t lose the entire breast, as with mastectomy.

• Natural appearance: Oncoplastic surgery helps minimize visible changes.

• Fewer surgeries overall: Cancer removal and reshaping are done in one procedure.

• Emotional benefit: Some women feel more “like themselves” when their natural breast is preserved.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Radiation is usually required: Healing and cosmetic results can change over time because of radiation therapy.

• Breast size may change: Depending on the technique, your breasts may end up smaller, lifted, or more symmetrical than before.

• Not for every tumor: If the cancer is large, widespread, or in multiple areas, a lumpectomy may not be possible.

• Sensation changes: Some numbness or tightness in the breast is common after surgery.

Who May Be a Candidate

• Women with early-stage breast cancer where the tumor is relatively small compared to breast size.

• Women who want to preserve their breast and are comfortable with radiation treatment afterward.

• Women interested in combining cancer surgery with reshaping or reduction for cosmetic or comfort reasons.

A Personal Choice

Lumpectomy with oncoplastic surgery is one of several paths available. For some women, it provides peace of mind by treating the cancer and preserving the breast’s natural look. For others, mastectomy with or without reconstruction may feel like the right option.