No one ever expects to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the public's familiarity with the disease, the impact it has on individuals once diagnosed is all encompassing. Now occurring in one of eight women, it is the second most common disease in the female population. It is not exclusive to women, however, and can occur in men as well, although very rarely.

A lumpectomy is a procedure that can be an option for those faced with breast cancer. In some instances, it may be the only surgery required. In a lumpectomy, the affected portion of the breast is removed. Depending upon the individual case, this could only be an incision of one inch in length.

A lumpectomy may be performed for many reasons, such as:

• A benign breast mass that is solid in nature
• A benign breast mass that is liquid (often called a cyst), but that cannot be aspirated with a needle, or
• A benign cyst that keeps recurring despite needle aspiration
• Certain forms of breast cancer

Lumpectomy procedures may also be referred to as breast conserving, breast preservation or partial mastectomy procedures. The amount of breast tissue removed in a lumpectomy can differ greatly from patient to patient. In a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes only the effected area of the breast and some of the normal surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is examined for cancer cells. Careful examination determines if the margins, or area of normal surrounding tissue, are clear of any cancer cells. This determines if all of the effected area was removed. If cancer cells are found in the surrounding tissue and clear margins are not established, an additional procedure or re-excision may be necessary in order to insure removal of all of the cancerous cells. Most women receive five to seven weeks of radiation therapy after a lumpectomy procedure.

Lumpectomy may be the recommended diagnosis for women who have only one site of cancer in their breast or if the tumor is less than four centimeters. The actual surgery time is less than one hour. The incision is placed locally to the area while being placed so that the shape of the breast will camouflage it.

Dr. Sumpter is dedicated to treating patients diagnosed with breast disease and offering those patients as many options as possible. She is uniquely qualified to treat patients from both a general surgery and a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery perspective. Regardless of your breast issue, her training, experience and commitment to the treatment of breast disease will allow her to counsel and assist you in getting the correct treatment for your individual circumstances.

If you are dealing with a breast disease issue and are interested in learning more about lumpectomy and finding out if it is for you and are in the Houston metro area, please call us at 281-894-9990 or email us with your name, phone number, so that we may contact you and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sumpter. A consultation is the best way to have all of your questions and concerns answered and get all the information you need to make your decision.

In most cases, health insurance covers issues related to breast disease. At Winds of Change, you will receive special, individualized care that you deserve. Dr. Sumpter strives to exceed expectations beyond patient satisfaction. Please let us know how we may help you.

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Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery Specialists
12827 Jones Road
Houston, Texas 77070
Email: info@drsumpter.com
Phone: 281-894-9990
Fax: 281-894-9993