Lumpectomies is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of a lump or tumor from the breast tissue. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as "lʌm.pɛk.tə.miːz". The initial "l" sound is followed by the "ʌ" vowel sound, which is then connected to the "m" and "p" consonant sounds. The word ends with the "iːz" sound, indicating that it is plural in number. Lumpectomies is a common form of breast cancer treatment that can help preserve the breast tissue and avoid complete removal of the breast.
Lumpectomies refer to surgical procedures aimed at removing abnormal or diseased tissue from the breast, particularly in cases of breast cancer. The word is a combination of "lump," referring to a mass or abnormal growth, and "ectomy," meaning surgical removal. This surgical intervention is generally performed by a specialized surgeon known as a breast surgeon or an oncology surgeon.
During a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor or lump along with a portion of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision of any cancer cells. The objective of this procedure is to eradicate the cancerous or suspicious tissue while allowing the woman to retain most of her natural breast shape and appearance. Lumpectomies are often preferred over more invasive procedures such as mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed, as they have been shown to be just as effective in treating early-stage breast cancer.
Following the removal of the tissue, it is typically sent to a laboratory for further analysis to determine the presence and extent of malignancy. This information helps guide subsequent treatment decisions, such as the need for adjuvant therapies like radiation therapy or systemic chemotherapy.
Lumpectomies have become an integral part of breast cancer treatment options and are often accompanied by other treatments to maximize the chances of curing the disease and preventing its recurrence. Regular follow-up care, including imaging and examinations, is essential after a lumpectomy to monitor the patient's progress and ensure early detection of any potential complications or reoccurrence of breast cancer.
The word "lumpectomy" is derived from two components: "lump" and "ectomy".
- "Lump" refers to a small mass or swelling within the body, specifically in the context of a tumor or abnormal growth. It comes from the Middle English word "lump" or "lompe", which originally meant a shapeless mass or piece.
- "-ectomy" is a suffix used in medicine to denote the surgical removal or excision of a particular body part or organ. It is derived from the Greek word "ektomē", meaning "a cutting out".
Combining these two elements, "lumpectomy" refers to the surgical removal of a lump or a localized tumor, typically in the breast. It is a procedure employed in the treatment of breast cancer.