Under what condition is a lumpectomy typically performed?

A lumpectomy is typically performed when a tumor is small and localized. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The key reasons for opting for a lumpectomy include the size and location of the tumor, which must be suitable for such a conservative approach.

In many cases, this type of surgery is part of breast-conserving therapy, aiming to effectively treat cancer while preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible. The localized nature of the tumor is crucial; when cancer is confined to a small area and has not spread significantly, lumpectomy can provide an effective treatment option while minimizing the physical and psychological impact of surgery on the patient.

This approach can also be supported by radiation therapy post-surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, further enhancing its appropriateness when dealing with early-stage breast cancer. In contrast, broader cancer spread would necessitate more extensive surgical options or treatments, which is why lumpectomy is not indicated in those situations.