What is Lumpectomy Surgery?

Lumpectomy is the surgical removal of lumps, masses, or tumours from your pet's body. This procedure is performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis and to provide treatment for both benign and malignant conditions.

The term "lumpectomy" encompasses various types of mass removal procedures, from simple skin lump excision to more complex tumour resections involving deeper tissues or organs. The primary goals are to completely remove the abnormal tissue, provide samples for diagnostic testing, and restore your pet's health and comfort.

Types of Lumps and Masses

Types of Lumps and Masses in Pets

‍

Benign (Non-Cancerous) Masses:

  • Lipomas: Fatty tumours, common in older dogs
  • Sebaceous cysts: Blocked oil glands causing fluid-filled bumps
  • Histiocytomas: Small, usually self-resolving skin bumps in young dogs
  • Skin tags: Small, harmless growths attached by thin stalks
  • Warts: Viral-induced growths, more common in young or immunocompromised pets

Malignant (Cancerous) Masses:

  • Mast cell tumours: Common skin cancer in dogs
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Aggressive skin cancer
  • Melanoma: Pigmented tumours that can be highly malignant
  • Sarcomas: Cancers arising from connective tissues
  • Adenocarcinomas: Cancers of glandular tissues

Location-Specific Masses:

  • Mammary tumours: Breast tissue masses in unspayed females
  • Oral masses: Tumours in the mouth or on the tongue
  • Limb masses: Growths on legs that may affect mobility
  • Internal masses: Tumours affecting organs or body cavities

When is Lumpectomy Recommended?

A lumpectomy may be recommended based on various factors, including how long a lump has been present, its size and growth rate, location, and whether it’s causing discomfort or other issues.

Note: The information below is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations.

Diagnostic & Treatment Indications

Diagnostic Indications

  • Any new lump that appears and persists for more than 2-3 weeks
  • Rapidly growing masses regardless of size
  • Changes in existing lumps including size, colour, or texture
  • Lumps causing discomfort or interfering with normal function
  • Suspicious appearance based on veterinary examination

Treatment Indications

  • Confirmed malignant tumours requiring complete excision
  • Benign masses causing physical discomfort or cosmetic concerns
  • Infected or ulcerated lumps not responding to medical treatment
  • Lumps in high-risk locations that may become problematic
  • Preventive removal of masses with malignant potential

Size and Growth Considerations

Size and Growth Considerations

Small Masses (less than 2cm):

  • Often removed as outpatient procedures
  • Local anaesthesia may be sufficient for some cases
  • Generally faster recovery times

Large Masses (greater than 5cm):

  • Require general anaesthesia and longer surgery times
  • May need advanced imaging for surgical planning
  • Extended recovery periods often necessary

Rapidly Growing Masses:

  • Priority for early removal regardless of size
  • Higher likelihood of malignancy
  • Urgent diagnostic evaluation recommended

Fixed Price Lumpectomy Surgery

Lump Removal up to 3 cm $1200
Lump removal over 4cm $1500
Laser excision (basic) $850

The above cost includes:

  • Pre-surgical examination and consultation
  • General anaesthesia and monitoring equipment
  • Surgical procedure and consumables
  • Post-operative pain management
  • Initial follow-up consultation
  • Suture removal appointment

Additional prices that may apply:

  • Pre-anaesthetic blood test: $185
  • Histopath: $400
  • X-rays: $400

Why Choose Animal Surgery Centre?

  • Dr Jas has over 28 years of experience as a vet
  • Quality care at affordable prices.
  • State-of-the-art facilities with 3 surgery theaters
  • We perfrom surgeries with ligasure, CO2 Laser and ESU

What to expect on day of surgery and post-operation?

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Health Assessment:

  • Comprehensive physical examination
  • Assessment of anaesthetic risk factors
  • Review of current medications
  • Discussion of surgical options and expectations
  • Review of current medication (if any)

Surgical Planning:

  • Determination of surgical margins required
  • Selection of appropriate anaesthetic protocol
  • Consideration of tissue reconstruction needs
  • Client education about procedure and recovery

Day of Surgery

Pre-Operative Care:

  • Morning admission and final health check
  • Pre-anaesthetic medications for comfort
  • Intravenous catheter placement
  • Surgical site preparation
  • IV catheter placement and administration of fluid therapy

Surgical Procedure:

(15 minutes to 90 minutes depending on complexity):

  1. General anaesthesia with monitoring
  2. Surgical site preparation – Clipping and sterile preparation
  3. Lump removal with appropriate margins
  4. Layered tissue closure
  5. Recovery monitoring until stable and comfortable

‍

Post-Operative Monitoring:

  • Recovery from anaesthesia supervision
  • Pain assessment and management
  • Incision site evaluation
  • Discharge planning and instruction provision

Histopathology and Follow-Up

Tissue Analysis:

  • Complete histopathological examination of removed tissue (optional)
  • Margin evaluation to ensure complete excision
  • Tumour grading and staging if malignant
  • Results typically available within 5-7 days

Result Interpretation:

  • Benign results: Usually no further treatment required
  • Malignant results: Staging and treatment planning discussion
  • Incomplete margins: Consideration of additional surgery
  • High-grade tumours: Referral for oncology consultation

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Immediate Care (First 24-48 Hours)

Pain Management:

  • Multi-modal pain relief protocols
  • Prescription medications for home use
  • Monitoring for comfort levels
  • Adjustment of pain medication as needed

Incision Care:

  • Keep surgical site clean and dry
  • Monitor for normal healing signs
  • Watch for concerning changes
  • Prevent licking or scratching

Activity Restrictions:

  • No running, jumping, or vigorous play
  • Short leash walks for toileting only
  • Stairs and furniture: Avoid until sutures removed
  • Swimming or bathing: Prohibited until healing complete

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Initial Healing

  • Elizabethan collar worn continuously
  • Strict activity restriction to allow initial healing
  • Daily incision monitoring for signs of problems
  • Medication administration as prescribed

Week 2: Progressive Healing

  • Suture removal typically at 10-14 days
  • Gradual activity increase
  • Continued monitoring for complete healing
  • Histopathology results discussion (optional)

Week 3-4: Return to Normal

  • Normal activity levels usually permitted
  • Complete healing of surgical site expected
  • Follow-up planning based on results
  • Long-term monitoring schedule established

Further Readings:

Signs Requiring Immediate Attention

Signs Requiring Immediate Attention After Surgery

Emergency Signs (Contact us at 03 4823 0321 or your vet immediately)

  • Excessive bleeding from incision site
  • Signs of severe infection (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite)
  • Incision opening or tissue protruding
  • Severe swelling or heat around surgical site
  • Difficulty breathing or pale gums

Concerning Changes:

  • Persistent drainage or odour from incision
  • Increasing swelling after initial 48 hours
  • Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
  • Extreme lethargy or behaviour changes
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

‍

Preventing Future Lumps & Masses

Preventing Future Lumps and Masses

Regular Health Monitoring

  • Monthly at-home examinations: Check for new lumps or changes
  • Annual veterinary check-ups: Professional examination and early detection
  • Prompt evaluation: Of any new or changing masses
  • Photography: Can help track changes in existing lumps

Risk Factor Management

  • Maintain healthy weight: Obesity linked to increased cancer risk
  • Provide quality nutrition: Supports immune system function
  • Regular exercise: Promotes overall health and well-being
  • Avoid known carcinogens: Such as excessive sun exposure for light-coloured pets

Early Detection Benefits

  • Smaller surgeries: Easier removal when masses are small
  • Better outcomes: Higher cure rates with early intervention
  • Lower costs: Less complex procedures when caught early
  • Reduced complications: Simpler procedures have fewer risks

‍