Surgery to remove a lump from the breast is known as a nodulectomy and is usually a relatively simple and quick procedure, which is done through a small cut in the breast next to the lump.
Usually, the surgery takes approximately 1 hour, but the duration may vary according to the complexity of each case, as well as the number of nodules to be removed. Breast surgery to remove a nodule can be done under local anesthesia, but when the lesion is very bulky or when you want to remove more than one nodule, the surgery is done under general anesthesia.
Often, this type of surgery is performed instead of mastectomy, as it conserves a greater amount of breast tissue, maintaining the overall appearance of the breast. However, it can only be done in small nodules, since larger ones are more likely to leave cancer cells that can end up causing cancer. To avoid this, in the case of a large lump, the doctor may also advise you to have chemo or radiation therapy after surgery.
Better understand when and how mastectomy is performed.
How to prepare for surgery
Before surgery it is very important to make an appointment with the surgeon and anesthetist to find out what care should be taken before the procedure. Thus, and although pre-surgery care varies according to each person and their history, it is common for them to include:
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours, both food and drinks; Discontinue the use of some medications, especially aspirin and other drugs that affect clotting;
During the consultation with the surgeon it is also very important to mention some interesting issues, such as allergies to medications or medications that are used frequently.
In addition to these precautions, a few days before surgery, the doctor should also order an X-ray or a mammogram, to assess the position and size of the nodule, in order to facilitate the surgery.
How is recovery
Recovery after surgery can vary according to the degree of complexity of the surgery, but it is common for the woman to stay 1 to 2 days recovering in the hospital before returning home, especially due to the effect of anesthesia. During hospital stay, the doctor can maintain a drain by draining fluid from the breast, which helps prevent the development of a seroma. This drain is removed before discharge.
In the first few days it is also common to feel some pain at the surgery site, so the doctor prescribes painkillers that will be made directly into the vein at the hospital, or in pills at home. During this period, it is also advisable to continuously use a bra that offers adequate restraint and support.
To ensure a faster recovery it is also important to maintain rest, avoid exaggerated efforts and do not raise your arms above your shoulders for 7 days. One should also be aware of possible signs of infection, such as redness, severe pain, swelling or release of pus from the incision site. If this happens, you must inform the doctor or go to the hospital.
Possible risks
Surgery to remove the lump from the breast is quite safe, however, like any other surgery, it can bring some complications such as pain, hemorrhage, infection, scarring or changes in breast sensitivity, such as numbness.
