Excision of a breast lump

Indications

  • Benign lump
  • Possibly malignant lump

Procedure

  1. Fix lump between finger and thumb
  2. Incision made circumferentially if close to nipple, radially if placed distally
  3. Grasp lump with forceps and retract out of wound
  4. Expose interior of cavity and diathermy bleeding points
  5. Obliterate cavity +/- suction drain
  6. Close skin with subcuticular stitch

Complications

  • Haematoma
  • Distortion of breast architecture
  • Recurrence of lump