Yes, lumps can be removed, often through a surgical procedure.
The process of removing a lump depends heavily on the location, size, and nature of the lump, as well as the overall health of the individual. One common method is a lumpectomy, where the lump and some surrounding tissue are surgically removed.
Lumpectomy Procedure:
- Anesthesia: A lumpectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the tumor or the area identified (often using a wire or seed placed beforehand to guide them).
- Removal: The tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. This margin helps ensure that all cancerous cells (if present) are extracted.
- Analysis: The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine its nature (benign or malignant) and to check if the margins are clear (meaning no cancer cells are present at the edges of the removed tissue).
It is important to note that not all lumps require removal. Benign (non-cancerous) lumps may be monitored rather than removed, especially if they are not causing any discomfort or other problems. The decision to remove a lump is made by a medical professional based on a thorough evaluation.
