Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)

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Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is the surgical removal of a breast lump and some of the tissue around it. The lump (and sometimes some of the lymph nodes under the arm) is removed and sent to the lab for examination.

Breast-conserving surgery can be used in early-stage breast cancer and when the breast lump is small compared with the size of the breast. In most cases, radiation therapy is used after breast-conserving surgery.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.