Breast Lump Excision

Breast lump excision is a surgical procedure performed when there are indications to remove a breast lesion completely. The procedure may be diagnostic or therapeutic, depending on the clinical findings, imaging results and any previous biopsy. It is important to emphasise that not every breast lump requires surgery. Many breast lesions are benign, and in some cases the first step should be a core needle biopsy or another diagnostic procedure rather than surgical removal.

Surgical removal of a breast lump may be one of the stages of treatment following earlier diagnostic assessment performed at our Breast Clinic in Gdańsk.

In practice, breast lump removal may be considered when the lesion appears suspicious, previous diagnostic results are inconclusive, a biopsy has not provided a definitive answer, or complete removal of the lesion is indicated. Surgical excision may also be recommended for selected benign breast lumps if the lesion is growing, causing pain or discomfort, or requires definitive histopathological assessment.

What Does Breast Lump Removal Involve?

The procedure involves surgical removal of the breast lump together with an appropriate amount of surrounding tissue, depending on the nature of the lesion and the purpose of the procedure. Depending on the indication, this may take the form of an excisional breast biopsy, in which the entire lesion is removed for histopathological examination, or a more extensive surgical procedure.

All surgically removed breast tissue is submitted for histopathological examination. Microscopic assessment of the removed tissue is essential for determining further management. Histopathology confirms the nature of the breast lesion and helps establish whether surgical treatment is complete or whether further diagnostic assessment or specialist treatment is required.

When Is a Benign Breast Lump Removed?

The most common situations in which breast lump removal may be considered include:

• a palpable breast lump requiring complete removal,
• inconclusive breast imaging results,
• an inconclusive or insufficient biopsy result,
• growth of a previously diagnosed breast lesion,
• pain or discomfort caused by the lump,
• the need to obtain a definitive histopathological diagnosis,
• an indication for definitive removal of a selected benign breast lesion.

What Tests Are Performed Before Breast Lump Excision?

Qualification for breast lump excision should be preceded by appropriate diagnostic assessment. This usually includes a clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, mammography or a combination of these examinations. In many cases, a breast biopsy is also performed before surgery.

The presence of a breast lump does not automatically mean breast cancer and is not, by itself, an indication for surgery. The decision to perform an operation is made after assessing the characteristics of the lesion, breast imaging results, any previous biopsy, the size and growth of the lump and the patient's symptoms.

This allows breast surgery to form part of a planned diagnostic and treatment pathway, with the extent of surgery appropriately matched to the actual clinical indication.

How Is Breast Lump Excision Performed?

The extent of surgery and the way the procedure is performed are determined individually according to the size and location of the breast lesion and the purpose of the operation. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, selected breast lump excision procedures are performed under local anaesthesia.

After the lesion has been removed, the surgical wound is closed and the patient receives instructions regarding wound care, postoperative follow-up and further management. The removed breast lump is submitted for histopathological examination.

Once the histopathology report is available, the doctor determines whether treatment is complete or whether further consultations, additional diagnostic procedures or further treatment are required.

Breast Surgery at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk

Surgical removal of breast lumps and other breast lesions is performed at our Medical Centre by surgical oncologists Dr Natalia Spychalska and Dr Kamil Drucis. All removed tissue is submitted for histopathological examination and assessed by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.

If breast cancer is diagnosed and consultation regarding systemic treatment, radiotherapy or further oncological management is required, patients can also consult clinical oncologist and radiation oncologist Dr Magdalena Korożan.

Why Is Proper Qualification for Breast Surgery Important?

In the case of a breast lump, the most important issue is not simply removing the lesion but establishing the correct diagnosis. For this reason, well-planned breast surgery should form part of a broader diagnostic and treatment pathway that includes appropriate breast imaging and, where indicated, biopsy.

When Should You See a Doctor Urgently?

Prompt medical assessment is particularly important if you notice:

• a newly palpable breast lump,
• a breast lesion that persists or increases in size,
• nipple retraction,
• nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge,
• dimpling, puckering or other changes in the skin of the breast,
• a lump or enlarged lymph node in the armpit.

Breast lump excision in Gdańsk should be preceded by careful qualification and an appropriately planned diagnostic and treatment pathway. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, breast diagnostics, consultation with a surgical oncologist, breast surgery and histopathological assessment can be coordinated within one medical centre.

We invite you to book a surgical consultation or breast lump excision procedure with Dr Natalia Spychalska or Dr Kamil Drucis.

Appointments can be booked through our website (e-mail or telephone contact) or via ZnanyLekarz: Dr Natalia Spychalska,  Dr Kamil Drucis.

Histopathological assessment and pathology consultations are provided by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.

Please note that the waiting time for a histopathology report is approximately 30 days.