Breast lump removal

Sometimes painful breast lumps need to be removed, though most are benign.

Finding a lump in your breast can be scary as we often associate them with breast cancer, even though Cancer Research UK shows that 90% of them will be benign (non cancerous). Even so, it’s important to have lumps in your breast checked out. Surgery may be needed to remove breast lumps that don’t go away on their own or cysts that keep coming back. Sometimes your doctor could be concerned that they’re cancerous or they could be benign but causing you pain or getting bigger.

The operation is known as a lumpectomy, and the lump is sent to a laboratory for examination.

Why you might need it

Breast lumps are common among women. Although worrying to find as they can be a symptom of breast cancer, nine out of 10 are not cancerous, according to the charity Cancer Research UK. However you should get any unusual changes to your breasts checked by a doctor to make sure there is nothing to worry about.

A benign (non cancerous) lump might be a normal fatty lump, a cyst or a fibroadenoma which is a solid lump more common among younger women. If a lump is filled with fluid, it is known as a cyst. Surgery is needed to remove small breast lumps that don’t go away on their own or cysts that keep coming back. In some cases, a border of healthy tissue around the lump may also be removed. This is called wide local excision.

We have modern and immaculate hospitals and practice some of the latest diagnostic testing and medical treatments. We take an integrated approach so we can organise any other breast care that you may need during or after your investigations.

We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you’ll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.

Who will do it?

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They’ll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

Before your treatment

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.