Patient Education: Breast Surgery (Biopsy, Lumpectomy, or Mastectomy)
1. Understanding Breast Surgery
What it is:
Breast surgery is a procedure to examine or remove part of the breast. It can include:
Biopsy: Removing a small piece of breast tissue to check for disease.
Lumpectomy: Removing a tumor or lump while keeping most of the breast.
Mastectomy: Removing the entire breast.
Why it’s needed:
To check for cancer or other breast problems
To remove tumors or abnormal tissue
To prevent the spread of cancer
Location and severity:
Surgery is done on one or both breasts, depending on the condition.
Severity depends on the size of the tumor or area being removed and whether cancer is present.
Cause / Risk Factors:
Breast cancer or abnormal growths
Family history of breast cancer
Age, hormone changes, and certain genetic factors
2. Symptoms to Watch For
After surgery, monitor for:
Redness, warmth, or swelling around the surgical site
Pus or unusual drainage
Fever
Increasing pain or tenderness
Delayed complications may include:
Infection
Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
Limited arm movement or stiffness
Lymphedema (swelling in the arm, usually after lymph node removal)
3. Post-Hospitalization Information
Take all prescribed medications, including pain medicine and antibiotics, as directed.
Attend all follow-up appointments to check healing and discuss results.
Keep track of drain output if surgical drains were placed.
4. Home Management & Recovery
Pain management:
Take pain medication as prescribed.
Use a supportive bra or garment if recommended.
Mobility:
Move your arm gently to prevent stiffness.
Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your doctor.
Wound care:
Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for dressing changes.
Contact your doctor or home health nurse if the wound shows signs of infection.
Rest and rehabilitation:
Rest often and gradually increase activity.
Gentle exercises may be recommended to regain shoulder and arm movement.
5. Prevention of Complications
Infection prevention:
Wash hands before touching the wound.
Keep dressings clean and dry.
Avoid swimming or soaking until cleared by your doctor.
Fall prevention:
Remove loose rugs and clutter.
Use railings and proper lighting to prevent falls.
Monitoring for delayed symptoms:
Watch for fever, increasing redness, swelling, or unusual drainage.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual.
6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER
Contact home health or your doctor if:
Mild pain, swelling, or drainage
Questions about medications, wound care, or exercises
Go to the ER immediately if:
Severe pain or sudden swelling
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Heavy bleeding from the surgical site
Signs of infection spreading rapidly
Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)
Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.
TRUE or FALSE: Breast surgery may include a biopsy, lumpectomy, or mastectomy.
TRUE or FALSE: A biopsy removes the entire breast.
TRUE or FALSE: Lumpectomy removes only the tumor or lump.
TRUE or FALSE: Mastectomy removes part of the breast.
TRUE or FALSE: Breast surgery may be done to check for cancer.
TRUE or FALSE: Family history can increase the risk for breast problems.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever and redness after surgery can be normal and never a concern.
TRUE or FALSE: Pus or unusual drainage is a warning sign of infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Moving your arm gently helps prevent stiffness.
TRUE or FALSE: You should avoid heavy lifting until your doctor says it is safe.
TRUE or FALSE: Pain medication should only be taken if pain is severe.
TRUE or FALSE: Keeping the wound clean and dry helps prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing is important before touching your surgical site.
TRUE or FALSE: Swelling in the arm may occur after lymph node removal.
TRUE or FALSE: You should contact your doctor if the wound shows signs of infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle exercises can help you regain shoulder movement.
TRUE or FALSE: Drains, if placed, do not need to be monitored at home.
TRUE or FALSE: Avoid swimming until cleared by your doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: Follow-up appointments are important to check healing.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe bleeding or sudden swelling requires going to the ER.
Answer Key with Explanations
TRUE – Breast surgery can include biopsy, lumpectomy, or mastectomy.
FALSE – A biopsy removes a small piece of tissue, not the whole breast.
TRUE – Lumpectomy removes the tumor or lump but keeps most of the breast.
FALSE – Mastectomy removes the entire breast.
TRUE – Surgery is done to check or remove cancer or abnormal tissue.
TRUE – Family history increases the risk of breast problems.
FALSE – Fever and redness can indicate infection and should be checked.
TRUE – Pus or unusual drainage is a sign of infection.
TRUE – Gentle arm movement helps prevent stiffness.
TRUE – Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared.
FALSE – Pain medication should be taken as prescribed, not only when pain is severe.
TRUE – Keeping the wound clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE – Handwashing reduces the risk of infection.
TRUE – Lymph node removal can cause arm swelling (lymphedema).
TRUE – Contact your doctor if the wound shows infection signs.
TRUE – Gentle exercises help restore shoulder movement.
FALSE – Drains need to be monitored for output and signs of infection.
TRUE – Swimming or soaking can increase infection risk.
TRUE – Follow-up visits are important to check healing and discuss results.
TRUE – Severe bleeding or sudden swelling requires emergency care.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911