Breast Conservation Surgery in Singapore

Dr Chong Chee Keong

Breast, Colorectal and General Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Singapore)

Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine

Specialists Accreditation Board

Breast conservation surgery is a treatment approach that aims to remove breast cancer while preserving as much of the natural breast as possible. Also known as lumpectomy or wide local excision, this procedure focuses on removing the tumour along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue, rather than removing the entire breast.

For many women with early-stage disease, breast conservation surgery offers an effective option within modern breast cancer treatment, balancing medical safety with physical and emotional considerations.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for
Breast Conservation Surgery?

Eligibility for breast conservation surgery usually depends on having early-stage breast cancer, where the tumour is confined to the breast and has not spread extensively. Cancers detected through routine screening or early investigation are often good candidates for this approach.

Tumour size and location are also important considerations. Smaller tumours relative to breast size are generally easier to remove while maintaining a natural breast shape. Lesions located away from the nipple or spread over a limited area may allow for better cosmetic results following surgery.

Individual breast size and personal preferences are equally important. Some women prioritise preserving their breast, while others may prefer alternative surgical options. Your surgeon will discuss all available choices openly, helping you weigh medical factors alongside how you want to feel after treatment.

Breast Conservation Surgery: Procedure Steps

Understanding the steps involved in breast conservation surgery can help you feel more informed and prepared for what to expect.

• Anaesthesia

  Breast conservation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be fully asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. Anaesthesia is carefully managed by an experienced anaesthetist, ensuring your safety and minimal discomfort.

• Surgical Incision

  Once anaesthesia is in effect, the surgeon makes a small, precise incision over or near the tumour. The incision is planned to provide optimal access to the cancer while preserving the natural shape and contour of the breast.

• Tumour Removal

  The primary goal of the surgery is to remove the cancerous tumour along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This helps reduce the risk of leaving cancer cells behind while preserving as much of the breast as possible.

• Margin Assessment

  After the tumour is removed, the excised tissue is examined to confirm that the margins are free of cancer cells. If necessary, additional tissue may be removed during the same surgery to ensure complete clearance.

• Lymph Node Assessment

  In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed to check whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Only the most relevant nodes are removed, reducing the risk of complications while providing important information for further treatment planning.

• Wound Closure and Completion of Surgery

  Once tumour removal and any lymph node assessment are complete, the breast tissue is carefully reshaped if needed, and the incision is closed with sutures. Dressings are applied to protect the area, and you are moved to the recovery area where you are monitored before returning to your room or going home.

Benefits of Breast Conservation Surgery

Breast conservation surgery provides a way to remove cancer while considering physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Key benefits include:

• Preserves Breast Appearance

  One of the main advantages of breast conservation surgery is retaining most of the breast tissue. Preserving the natural shape can help many women feel more comfortable with their body image and maintain a sense of normalcy after treatment.

• Shorter Hospital Stay

  Compared to mastectomy, recovery is often quicker and hospital stays are typically shorter. This allows patients to resume daily activities sooner, while still receiving the necessary post-operative care and monitoring.

• Less Invasive

  Breast conservation surgery involves smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissue. This generally means reduced physical impact and less discomfort, while still providing effective cancer control.

• Emotional and Quality-of-life Benefits

  Beyond the physical advantages, preserving the breast can support emotional well-being. Many patients experience improved confidence, a sense of continuity and greater reassurance during and after their breast cancer surgery journey.

Risks & Complications

Like all surgical procedures, breast conservation surgery carries some risks. Being aware of potential complications can help you understand what to expect and how your care team works to manage them. Key considerations include:

• Bleeding and Infection

  As with any operation, there is a small risk of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. These complications are uncommon and are usually managed promptly through standard medical care.

• Fluid Collection (Seroma) or Blood Accumulation (Haematoma)

  Fluid collections such as seroma or blood accumulation known as haematoma may develop around the surgical site. These usually resolve on their own but may occasionally require drainage.

• Changes in Breast Shape or Sensation

  Some women notice changes in breast shape, firmness or sensation following surgery. These effects vary depending on tumour size, location, and individual healing.

• Risk of Cancer Recurrence

  Although breast conservation surgery combined with radiotherapy provides cancer control comparable to mastectomy for suitable cases, there remains a small chance that cancer could return in the breast. Your surgeon will discuss this risk carefully and monitor it through follow-up care.

Specialised Breast Conservation Surgery
at Maven Surgery

Choosing the right surgical team is an important part of your breast cancer care. At Maven Surgery, breast conservation surgery is approached with a strong focus on clinical safety, precision, and individualised decision-making. Dr Chong Chee Keong brings over two decades of experience in managing breast conditions, with particular expertise in breast-conserving techniques that aim to achieve effective cancer control while preserving breast appearance whenever medically appropriate.

If you have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer or wish to explore breast conservation surgery as part of your treatment options, arrange a consultation with Dr Chong to better understand your choices and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions
on Breast Conservation Surgery

Our Breast Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Chong Chee Keong

Breast, Colorectal and General Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Singapore)

Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine

Specialists Accreditation Board

Dr Chong is a senior consultant surgeon with extensive experience in breast cancer care, guiding patients from diagnosis and surgery to follow-up. As Medical Director at Maven Surgery, he is known for combining technical expertise with clear and compassionate communication. With over two decades of practice, Dr Chong has been involved in breast conservation surgery and related procedures, bringing a strong surgical foundation and a commitment to patient-centred care.