Cost of breast growth removal by state

How do they remove a mass from your breast?

Breast mass removal is a surgical procedure. During the surgery, a small incision is made over the mass. The mass and some extra tissue around the edges is removed. Your provider may call this surgery a lumpectomy.

How long is breast lump removal surgery?

Surgery to remove a breast lump takes about an hour. Usually the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll get to return home the same day. General anesthesia, when you are completely asleep, is common for breast lump removal. You’ll be monitored in the recovery area for about an hour after your surgery before being released to go home.

Can a breast lump be removed without surgery?

If your healthcare provider determines that the breast lump is caused by a fluid-filled cyst, the lump may be able to be removed without surgery. Cysts that are filled with fluid can be drained in a procedure called aspiration. A needle is inserted into the cyst and the fluid is drawn out. The cyst will then collapse and you’ll no longer be able to feel the lump. Some cysts will fill back up and need to be drained or removed later. 

Fibroadenomas, benign breast lumps, can be removed with a procedure called cryoablation. During this procedure, a thin device called a cryoprobe is inserted into the lump. A freezing gas is used to destroy the lump. Sometimes in low-risk breast cancer, lumps have been treated with cryoablation.

What can you expect after having a lump removed from your breast?

Recovery after breast lump removal or lumpectomy is very short. You’ll have a dressing over the surgical incision on your breast when you wake up. Most times there is minor pain, but if you are uncomfortable, your surgeon will prescribe medication to help with any discomfort. If the lump was very large, you might have a surgical drain in place for a week or two. You’ll be shown how to empty and care for the drain at home. You should be able to return to normal activity within about a week after surgery. Avoid any strenuous activity for about two weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines for returning to normal activity.

Can a breast lump come back after surgery?

Breast lumps can come back after surgery. There are different reasons you might have a breast lump. Fibroadenomas are a benign breast lump that might be surgically removed if it is causing discomfort. These kinds of lumps can come back after removal.

Lumps that are cancerous are frequently removed with breast surgery. If cancer returns, it may grow back in the same area from where it was initially removed or come back in a new spot. 

Whenever you feel a lump in your breast, you should have a healthcare provider check the lump.

Should you remove a benign breast lump?

Benign lumps may become large or cause pain. When this happens, your healthcare provider may recommend removing the lump.