Lumpectomy Gold Coast

Yes. A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery. It removes the cancer or lump with a margin of healthy tissue while keeping the rest of the breast. You may also hear it called a wide local excision or partial mastectomy.

For many people with early breast cancer, a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy offers similar long-term survival to a mastectomy. The best option depends on the features of the cancer, your breast size, your health and your own preferences, and Dr Gault will explain which options suit you.

Usually, yes. Radiotherapy after a lumpectomy for breast cancer lowers the risk of the cancer coming back in the same breast. In some cases, such as certain low-risk cancers in older women, radiotherapy may not be needed. Your radiation oncologist will advise on what is right for you.

A clear margin means the pathologist has found no cancer cells at the edges of the tissue that was removed. This suggests the cancer has been completely removed, and further surgery to the breast is usually not needed.

If cancer cells are found at or very close to the edge of the removed tissue, a second operation called a re-excision may be recommended to remove more tissue. Occasionally, a mastectomy may be the better option. Dr Gault will go through your pathology results with you and explain the next steps.

If a lump cannot be felt, its position is marked before surgery using imaging such as a mammogram or ultrasound. This is called localisation, and it may involve placing a fine wire or a small marker in the breast to guide the surgeon to the exact area.

There may be some change in the size or shape of the breast, depending on how much tissue is removed and where the lump is. Breast reshaping techniques can sometimes be used at the same time to help maintain the shape of the breast. Dr Gault has met the BreastSurgANZ training requirements to perform oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques. The appearance of the breast after surgery differs from person to person.

It depends on your situation. For invasive breast cancer, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is often performed at the same time as the lumpectomy to check whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit. See our axilla surgery page for more information.

A lumpectomy is often performed as day surgery or with a short hospital stay. Dr Gault operates at Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa. Recovery varies from person to person, and it may take longer if lymph nodes are also removed. Dr Gault and our breast care nurse will give you advice for your own recovery.

Like any surgery, a lumpectomy carries risks. These can include infection, bleeding or bruising, a build-up of fluid under the wound (seroma), numbness around the scar, changes in the shape of the breast and the possible need for further surgery if the margins are not clear. There are also risks associated with the anaesthetic. Dr Gault will explain the risks that apply to you before surgery.

You will have access to our breast care nurse, Julie, who supports you and your family through surgery and recovery, and can connect you with other support services. Care continues after surgery through survivorship and follow-up.

Costs vary depending on the procedure, whether lymph node surgery or breast reshaping is included, the hospital and your level of health insurance cover. Please contact our rooms on (07) 5539 3999 to discuss the likely costs for your situation. You may also wish to check with your private health fund about your cover and any excess.

You can book by calling (07) 5539 3999 or by sending a message through the Quick Enquiry form on this page. A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is needed to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. Our rooms are at Suite 11, Pindara Place, 13 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4217.