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Female Breast
Female Breast
Needle biopsy of the breast
Needle biopsy of the breast
Open biopsy of the breast
Open biopsy of the breast
Breast self-exam
Breast self-exam
Breast self-exam
Breast self-exam
Breast self-exam
Breast self-exam
Breast lumps
Breast lumps
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy
Causes of breast lumps
Causes of breast lumps
Breast lump removal  - series
Breast lump removal - series


Breast lump removal

Alternative Names:
Lumpectomy; Wide local excision; Excisional Biopsy

Risks:

The risks of any surgery are bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby tissues. Some postoperative pain and soreness are to be expected and can be effectively treated with medication.

The risks of local anesthesia are minimal, though there is the possibility of an adverse reaction. With general anesthesia, the risk of breathing and heart problems, as well as reaction to medication, is greater. But for a woman who is in otherwise good health, the risk of a serious complication due to general anesthesia is less than 1%.

Since a lumpectomy removes a portion of the breast, there may also be a change in the breast's appearance. Dimpling, a noticeable scar, or asymmetry of the two breasts may occur, depending on the size and location of the lump and the size of the breast.




Review Date: 4/13/2004
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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