Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy) in Singapore

What Is Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)?

Unlike a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is a breast cancer treatment procedure performed to remove a breast tumour together with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving most of the breast.

 This approach aims to treat the cancer effectively while minimising changes to the breast’s natural appearance and contour.

A lumpectomy is commonly considered for patients with early-stage breast cancer or smaller tumours that are confined to one area of the breast. In many cases, this approach is combined with radiotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence within the remaining breast tissue.

When Do Specialists Recommend a Lumpectomy?

A lumpectomy may be considered for patients under certain circumstances:

• The breast cancer is detected at an early stage
• There is no extensive cancer involvement across multiple areas of the breast
• The tumour is small relative to the size of the breast
• Clear surgical margins can likely be achieved while preserving breast appearance
• The patient is suitable for follow-up radiation therapy after surgery
• The patient prefers a breast-conserving approach after discussing treatment options and expected outcomes with the specialist

Cosmetic Outcomes After a Lumpectomy

The appearance of the breast after a lumpectomy can vary between patients depending on the extent of surgery performed and the body’s natural healing response. Understanding these possible outcomes can help patients develop more realistic expectations before treatment.

Changes in Shape, Contour and Symmetry

Because only the cancerous tissue and a margin of surrounding tissue are removed during a lumpectomy, many patients are able to preserve much of their natural breast shape and appearance. However, some degree of change to breast contour, symmetry or firmness may still occur after surgery, particularly if a larger volume of tissue needs to be removed.

The extent of visible change often depends on factors such as the size of the tumour relative to the breast, the location of the cancer within the breast and the amount of tissue removed to achieve clear surgical margins. Patients with smaller breasts may sometimes notice contour differences more easily after tissue removal, while tumours located in more visible areas of the breast may affect cosmetic appearance differently.

Post-Procedural Scarring and Changes

Changes may also continue to develop gradually during the healing process and after follow-up radiation therapy. Some patients experience temporary swelling, firmness or subtle volume loss around the surgical site as the breast tissue heals. Surgical scars are expected after a lumpectomy, although they generally become less noticeable over time as healing progresses.

When cosmetic changes are more significant, reconstructive or corrective procedures may sometimes be considered to improve breast symmetry or contour. These options depend on the extent of the surgery performed, the remaining breast tissue and the patient’s individual treatment goals and preferences.

Potential Risks and Complications of a Lumpectomy

As with any surgical procedure, a lumpectomy carries certain risks and potential complications, although serious complications are uncommon when surgery is carefully planned and performed.

General surgical risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling and bruising around the surgical site

Some complications are more specific to breast-conserving surgery, including:

• Fluid collection within the surgical cavity (seroma)
• Changes in breast shape or symmetry
• Scar tissue formation or firmness within the breast
• Changes in skin or nipple sensation

In some cases, further surgery may be required if cancer cells are detected too close to the edge of the removed tissue. This is known as a positive or incomplete surgical margin, and an additional procedure may be recommended to achieve clearer margins.

Although lumpectomy combined with radiation therapy is an effective treatment option for many patients, ongoing follow-up remains important due to the long-term risk of breast cancer recurrence within the remaining breast tissue.

What Happens During a Lumpectomy Procedure?

Many lumpectomy procedures are performed as day surgery, although some patients may require a short inpatient stay depending on the extent of surgery and recovery progress.

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

Step 1: Anaesthesia and Preparation

Before the lumpectomy begins, general anaesthesia is administered so the patient remains asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. Once anaesthesia has taken effect, the breast area is cleaned and prepared for surgery while the surgical team positions the patient carefully for the operation.

Step 2: Surgical Incision

Once the surgical area has been prepared, a carefully planned incision is made over or near the affected part of the breast. The placement of the incision is determined based on the location of the tumour and the need to preserve the natural breast contour where possible.

Step 3: Tumour and Margin Removal

The tumour is then removed together with a surrounding margin of healthy breast tissue. This additional tissue removal helps lower the likelihood of cancer cells remaining within the breast while preserving as much unaffected tissue as medically appropriate.

Step 4: Margin Assessment

After the tissue has been removed, it is examined to determine whether the surgical margins are sufficiently clear of cancer cells. If necessary, additional tissue may sometimes be removed to achieve more complete cancer clearance.

Step 5: Lymph Node Assessment

For certain patients, nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed during the procedure to evaluate whether cancer cells have spread beyond the breast tissue. This is commonly performed through a sentinel lymph node biopsy and helps guide further staging and treatment decisions.

Step 6: Wound Closure and Recovery

Once the procedure is completed, the breast tissue is repositioned where needed before the incision is closed with sutures and covered with dressings. Patients are then monitored in the recovery area as the effects of anaesthesia wear off.

Post-Operative Care: Tips for a Smooth and Safe Recovery

Most patients are able to return home within the same day or after a short observation period. There are several post-operative care measures that patients can take to support healing, reduce discomfort and lower the risk of complications during recovery.

• Wound care: Patients are usually advised to keep the surgical area clean and dry while following the wound care instructions provided after the procedure. Mild swelling, bruising and tenderness around the breast are common during the early stages of healing.
• Pain management and activity restrictions: Discomfort after a lumpectomy is often manageable with prescribed or recommended pain medication. Light movement is generally encouraged during recovery, although strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and repetitive upper-body activity may need to be avoided temporarily.
• Monitoring signs of complications: Patients should actively look out for symptoms such as increasing redness, worsening swelling, persistent bleeding, fever, fluid discharge or worsening pain around the surgical site, as these may require medical review.
• Follow-up care and radiation therapy: Follow-up appointments are important for reviewing wound healing, pathology findings and recovery progress. Radiation therapy is also commonly recommended after breast-conserving surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence within the remaining breast tissue.

Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks, although healing time varies depending on the extent of surgery performed and whether lymph node procedures were also carried out.

Preserving Breast Appearance with Personalised Cancer Surgery

When carefully planned, a lumpectomy can provide effective cancer treatment while reducing some of the physical and emotional impact associated with more extensive breast removal surgery. This approach aims to place the patient first, helping them to move through breast cancer treatment while preserving a greater sense of familiarity, confidence and quality of life wherever medically appropriate.

At Maven Surgery, our breast care clinic in Singapore, lumpectomy surgery is carefully carried out by Dr Chong Chee Keong, a general surgeon experienced in the surgical management of breast cancer and complex breast conditions. Dr Chong adopts a personalised and carefully planned approach to lumpectomy, taking into account cancer clearance, cosmetic considerations and each patient’s individual treatment priorities when recommending surgical options.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to understand whether breast-conserving surgery may be suitable for your condition, arrange a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumpectomy

Our Lumpectomy Specialist 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 regularly been involved in breast conservation surgery and related procedures, bringing a strong surgical foundation and a commitment to patient-centred care. He understands the value that patients place in their appearance and self-image, and strives to carry out procedures that help conserve as much of the breast as possible.