Your doctor may not recommend lumpectomy for breast cancer if you:

• Have a history of scleroderma, a group of diseases that harden the skin and other tissues and make healing after lumpectomy difficult
• Have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammatory disease that can worsen if you undergo radiation treatments
• Have two or more tumors in different quadrants of your breast that cannot be removed with a single incision, which could affect the appearance of your breast
• Have previously had radiation treatment to the breast region, which would make further radiation treatments too risky
• Have cancer that has spread throughout your breast and overlying skin, since lumpectomy would be unlikely to remove cancer completely
• Have a large tumor and small breasts, which may cause a poor cosmetic result
• Don't have access to radiation therapy

You'll be given instructions about pre-surgical restrictions and other things you need to know. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.

In general, to prepare for your lumpectomy, it's recommended that you:

• Stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication.
• Don't eat or drink 8 to 12 hours before surgery.

Your lumpectomy procedure begins with locating the area of your breast that contains the abnormality (localization procedure). To do this, a doctor who uses imaging tests to diagnose and treat diseases (radiologist) uses a mammogram or ultrasound to locate the tumor and insert a thin wire, needle, or small radioactive seed.

Your surgeon will make an incision over the tumor or over the area that contains the wire or seed, remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue, and send it to the lab for analysis.

The surgeon will then close the incisions with attention to preserving the appearance of your breast, using stitches (sutures) that will either dissolve on their own or be removed later by your doctor.

After your surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery room. During this time, your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored.

If you've had outpatient surgery — usually lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy — you'll be released when your condition is stable

If you've had axillary lymph node dissection, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two if you're experiencing pain or bleeding.

You’ll recuperate at home for a few days after lumpectomy surgery. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Allow yourself to get enough rest so that you can return to your normal routine in a few days.
• Take pain medication as needed.
• Take sponge baths until your doctor has removed your drains and/or sutures.
• Wear a good sports or support bra.
• Begin doing arm exercises.