Lumpectomy

1. What is a Lumpectomy?
2. Who Needs a Partial Mastectomy?
3. MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
4. What to Expect
5. Lumpectomy FAQs
6. The level of care is excellent.
7. Contact Us Today
8. ABOUT US & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
9. CONTACT US

What is a Lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy, also known as a partial mastectomy, is a procedure to remove breast cancer from the breast. This procedure removes only the cancer while preserving the breast, unlike mastectomy which removes the entire breast. Breast conservation is the combination of partial mastectomy, usually with radiation to treat breast cancer.

Who Needs a Partial Mastectomy?

Your doctor may recommend a lumpectomy in instances where breast cancer is present, and you wish to preserve your breast’s appearance. Those who are often candidates include those whose cancer only affects one area of the breast, whose tumor is relatively small, and whose health will allow for the completion of radiation therapy following the procedure. Those with multiple tumors in one breast, have a large tumor, have cancer that has penetrated the breast skin or chest wall, or have breast cancer that has recurred following a previous lumpectomy may not be candidates. Dr. Ley will discuss with you whether breast conservation is right for your treatment plan.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

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What to Expect

Prior to partial mastectomy, often during the initial biopsy, a small metallic chip or antenna will be inserted to mark the tumor location for the surgeon. Some patients need an antenna (Savi Scout)  placed at a later time but before the surgery. Your procedure will be at a hospital or surgery center. Next, general anesthesia or moderate sedation and local anesthesia will be given to ensure your comfort. This is usually an outpatient procedure.

The surgical techniques used to achieve good margins and a good cosmetic outcome are called oncoplastic breast surgery. Clear margins are important to ensure we have adequately removed the cancer.

During a partial mastectomy, one or more of your lymph nodes may also be removed, which is known as a sentinel lymph node biopsy. These nodes are sent to a pathology lab to check for any signs of cancer. If cancer is found, more lymph nodes will need to be removed with a surgery called axillary lymph node dissection.

Lumpectomy FAQs

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley is an excellent doctor who cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain everything and provides all options. The level of care is excellent.

Dr. Ley is extremely good at explaining your breast cancer, treatment options, and everything she is going to do. She is a masterful surgeon and uses plastic techniques to close incisions, leaving minimal scarring. In addition, she is warm, pleasant, and a lovely person. I am so happy that I found her based on a friend’s recommendation. I can’t say enough about her and the practice’s excellent care.

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

Contact Us Today

At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we are here to support you on your breast health journey. For more information regarding lumpectomy, please contact our Tucson, AZ office today.

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