What is Removal of Lump?
Removal of lump is also know as a biopsy which is a medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination. It is the medical removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically.
When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When only a sample of tissue is removed with preservation of the histological architecture of the tissue’s cells, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle in such a way that cells are removed without preserving the histological architecture of the tissue cells, the procedure is called a needle aspiration biopsy.
When is Lump Removal needed?
Lump removal is needed to check for cancer. It can also help identify many other conditions. Lump removal may be done whenever there is an important medical question it can help answer. Here are a few examples –
- A mammogram shows a lump indicating possibility of breast cancer.
- A mole on the skin may have changed shape recently and melanoma is possible.
- A person has chronic hepatitis and its important to know if cirrhosis is present.
What does Lump Removal entail?
The patient will be given anaesthesia to help with the pain. When the patient receives the local anaesthetic, he/she shall feel a slight pin prick from the needle. The patient shall feel some pressure when the biopsy needle is inserted. The area becomes numb within a short time.
The patient may be given a mild sedative before the procedure, and relaxation medication may be given intravenously during the procedure if needed. The patient may feel sore at the area of the biopsy for a few days. The doctor can prescribe pain relief medications if one has significant pain from the biopsy. Aftercare instructions vary, but generally the bandage may be removed one day following the procedure, and the patient may bathe as normal.
Considerations in Lump Removal
Pros
- Lump Removal is an authentic method of obtaining tissue samples that can help diagnose whether a nodule is cancerous or not.
- The procedure is not painful and the results are as accurate as when a tissue sample is removed surgically.
- Recovery time is brief and patients can resume their usual activities in a short time.
Cons
Complications that may result from biopsies are –
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Accidental injury to structures such as the bowel
Recovery & Rehabilitation after Lump Removal
Biopsies are usually straight forward procedures. In most cases, biopsies are outpatient procedures, so one doesn’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. But some types of biopsy may require a general anaesthetic. In this instance, one needs to stay in the hospital overnight to recover from the anaesthetic.
After a biopsy is done the patient wont usually feel any pain. But if the tissue sample is taken from a major organ, such as liver or bone marrow the patient may feel a dull ache. The doctor or surgeon may recommend painkillers to help solve this issue.
Surgery Consultation for Lump Removal in Singapore
At the Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic, our specialists are ready to help you get back to the activities you enjoy and love. Call us today for an appointment to get a professional assessment of your condition & start your journey towards a better life.
