Breast Lump Excision

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maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Breast Lump Excision?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Breast Lump Excision ?

.

Why do you need Breast Lump Excision ?

Breast lump excision is indicated for:

  • Diagnostic purposes:
    • Suspicious lump on imaging (e.g., mammogram, ultrasound) or clinical exam; inconclusive fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy.
    • Rule out breast cancer (e.g., BIRADS 4–5 lesions on imaging).
  • Therapeutic purposes:
    • Benign lumps causing pain/discomfort (e.g., fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumors).
    • Early-stage breast cancer (lumpectomy as part of breast-conserving surgery, often followed by radiation).
  • Associated conditions:
    • May be linked to fibrocystic changes, infections (e.g., abscess), or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
  • Timing:
    • Performed after imaging and biopsy; urgent if cancer suspected or lump rapidly growing.

The procedure aims to remove the lump with clear margins (if cancerous), preserve breast appearance, and provide tissue for histopathological diagnosis, guiding further treatment if needed.

Why Do Breast Lump Excision Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Breast Lump Excision Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
      • Clinical exam: Palpates lump size, location, and mobility.
      • Imaging: Mammogram/ultrasound/MRI to assess lump characteristics and extent.
      • Biopsy (if done): FNA or core biopsy to guide surgical planning.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
    • Consent: Risks, including scarring, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Breast Lump Excision:
      • Performed under local anesthesia with sedation (small lumps) or general anesthesia (larger/cancerous lumps), lasting 30–60 minutes.
      • Approach:
        • Incision: Usually over the lump or in a cosmetically favorable location (e.g., periareolar or inframammary, 2–5 cm).
        • For cancer (lumpectomy): Includes margin of healthy tissue (0.5–1 cm); wire localization may be used for non-palpable lumps (guided by ultrasound/MRI).
      • Excision:
        • Lump removed with surrounding tissue; sent for histopathology (frozen section if cancer suspected, to confirm margins intraoperatively).
        • Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): If cancer suspected, 1–3 nodes removed to check for spread.
      • Closure: Skin closed with absorbable sutures; cosmetic techniques used to minimize scarring.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Ultrasound (if needed): Localizes non-palpable lumps.
      • Wire localization: Guides excision for non-palpable lumps.
      • Cautery: Controls bleeding.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: Same-day discharge (benign) or 1–2 days (cancer/SLNB).
    • Care: Wear supportive bra; keep incision dry; avoid arm strain.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
    • Instructions: Monitor for swelling; no heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks.

Recovery After Breast Lump Excision

  1. Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (benign) or 1–2 days (cancer/SLNB).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; swelling/bruising resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or arm strain for 2–3 weeks; light activities in 3–5 days.
    • Incision: Keep dry for 5–7 days; sutures dissolve or are removed in 7–10 days; scars fade in 6–12 months.
    • Arm (if SLNB): Avoid heavy lifting to prevent lymphedema (swelling); exercises to improve mobility.
    • Results: Histopathology report in 3–7 days; guides further treatment (e.g., radiation for cancer).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (suture removal, pathology review), 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Mammogram (cancer cases): 6 months post-surgery for baseline.

Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 95–98% achieve complete lump removal; cancer recurrence depends on stage and adjuvant therapy (5–10% local recurrence in 5 years for lumpectomy with radiation).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma in breast; may need drainage.
    • Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Seroma (2–5%): Fluid collection at site; may need aspiration.
    • Asymmetry (2–5%): Breast shape change; may need cosmetic correction.
    • Scarring (1–3%): Keloid or hypertrophic scars; usually minimal with proper technique.
    • Lymphedema (1–3%, with SLNB): Arm swelling; managed with compression/physiotherapy.
  • Long-Term:
    • Cancer recurrence (5–10%, lumpectomy): Reduced with radiation; needs monitoring.
    • Changes in breast sensation (1–3%): Usually temporary; resolves in 3–6 months.

Report fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a breast lump?

Benign: Fibroadenoma, cysts, fibrocystic changes; malignant: Breast cancer, phyllodes tumor.

Can I avoid breast lump excision?

Yes, if benign and asymptomatic: Monitor with imaging; surgery needed for suspicious lumps, cancer, or symptomatic cases.

Is breast lump excision painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication; discomfort subsides quickly.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 3–5 days; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks.

Is breast lump excision covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for diagnostic/therapeutic purposes (esp. cancer); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling.

Will my breast look normal after surgery?

90–95% achieve good cosmetic outcome; minor asymmetry possible; cancer cases may need further treatment (e.g., radiation).

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Wear supportive bra, avoid arm strain, monitor for recurrence (cancer), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Breast Lump Excision

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Breast Lump Excision?

Breast lump excision, also known as a lumpectomy or excisional biopsy, is a surgical procedure to remove a lump or mass from the breast, typically to diagnose or treat conditions such as fibroadenomas, cysts, or breast cancer. It is performed when imaging or biopsy results are inconclusive or when the lump causes symptoms. In the Philippines, breast lump excision is conducted in general surgery or breast surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering high-quality care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Breast Lump Excision?

Breast lump excision is indicated for:

  • Diagnostic Purposes:

    • Suspicious lump identified on clinical exam or imaging (e.g., mammogram, ultrasound) with inconclusive fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy results.

    • High-risk lesions (e.g., BIRADS 4–5 on imaging, indicating 2–95% cancer risk).

    • To rule out breast cancer or confirm benign conditions (e.g., fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumor).

  • Therapeutic Purposes:

    • Benign lumps causing pain, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns (e.g., fibroadenomas, 20–30% of cases; cysts, 10–15%).

    • Early-stage breast cancer (lumpectomy as part of breast-conserving surgery, often followed by radiation; 30–40% of cancer cases).

  • Associated Conditions:

    • Fibrocystic changes (common, 20–50% of women), breast abscess (5–10%), or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, 10–15% of cancer cases).

  • Prevalence: Breast lumps are common in the Philippines, with ~20–30% of women aged 20–50 reporting palpable lumps; ~5–10% are malignant (higher in women >40).

  • Timing: Performed after imaging and/or biopsy; urgent if cancer is suspected (e.g., rapidly growing lump, nipple discharge, skin changes).

The procedure aims to remove the lump with clear margins (if cancerous), preserve breast appearance, and provide tissue for histopathological diagnosis to guide further treatment (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy for cancer).

Why Do Breast Lump Excision Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱80,000 to ₱250,000, based on:

  • Procedure Complexity:

    • Simple excision (benign lumps, e.g., fibroadenoma): ₱80,000–₱150,000.

    • Lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB, for cancer): ₱150,000–₱250,000.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱150,000–₱250,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱30,000–₱100,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced breast or oncologic surgeons charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Anesthesia (local with sedation or general: ₱10,000–₱30,000).

    • Hospital stay (same-day discharge for benign lumps; 1–2 days for cancer/SLNB: ₱10,000–₱20,000/day).

    • Histopathology (₱5,000–₱15,000).

    • Pre-op imaging (e.g., mammogram, ultrasound: ₱10,000–₱30,000).

    • Medications (e.g., analgesics, antibiotics: ₱5,000–₱15,000).

    • Intraoperative tools (e.g., wire localization for non-palpable lumps: ₱20,000–₱50,000).

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱20,000–₱50,000 for diagnostic/therapeutic cases); private insurance typically covers procedures for suspected cancer or medical necessity. PCSO medical assistance may reduce costs. Confirm with your provider.

Breast Lump Excision Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Assessment:

    • Clinical Exam: Palpates lump for size, location, mobility, and associated signs (e.g., nipple discharge, skin dimpling).

    • Imaging: Ultrasound (preferred for younger women, <40) or mammogram (for women >40) to assess lump characteristics; MRI for complex cases (5–10%).

    • Biopsy (if done): FNA or core biopsy to guide surgical planning (e.g., benign vs. malignant).

    • Blood Tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile, complete blood count to ensure surgical safety.

  • Preparation: Fasting 4–6 hours (if general anesthesia); stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe. Consent includes risks like scarring or lymphedema (if SLNB performed).

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves breast surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, and oncologist (for cancer cases).

Surgical Techniques:

  1. Breast Lump Excision:

    • Performed under local anesthesia with sedation (small benign lumps, 50–60% of cases) or general anesthesia (larger lumps or cancer, 40–50%), lasting 30–60 minutes.

    • Approach:

      • Incision: Made over the lump or in a cosmetically favorable location (e.g., periareolar, inframammary; 2–5 cm) to minimize scarring.

      • For Cancer (Lumpectomy): Includes a margin of healthy tissue (0.5–1 cm) to ensure complete removal; wire localization (guided by ultrasound/MRI) used for non-palpable lumps (10–20% of cases).

    • Excision:

      • Lump removed with surrounding tissue; sent for histopathology (frozen section intraoperatively if cancer suspected, to confirm clear margins).

      • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): Performed if cancer is suspected (20–30% of cases); 1–3 lymph nodes removed from the axilla to check for cancer spread, using blue dye or radioactive tracer.

    • Closure: Skin closed with absorbable sutures for minimal scarring; cosmetic techniques (e.g., layered closure) used; surgical bra applied.

  2. Intraoperative Tools:

    • Ultrasound: Localizes non-palpable lumps intraoperatively.

    • Wire localization: Guides excision for non-palpable lumps (inserted pre-op under imaging).

    • Bipolar cautery: Controls bleeding.

    • Gamma probe: Identifies sentinel lymph nodes (if SLNB performed).

  3. Alternative: If cancer is extensive, mastectomy may be recommended instead (separate procedure, ₱200,000–₱500,000).

After Surgery:

  • Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (benign lumps, 60–70%) or 1–2 days (cancer/SLNB).

  • Care:

    • Wear supportive bra 24/7 for 2–4 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.

    • Keep incision dry for 5–7 days; monitor for signs of infection or hematoma.

    • Pain management with oral analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) for 2–5 days.

  • Instructions: Avoid arm strain or heavy lifting (ipsilateral arm) for 2–3 weeks; no strenuous exercise for 3–4 weeks.

Recovery After Breast Lump Excision

  • Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (benign) or 1–2 days (cancer/SLNB).

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; swelling or bruising resolves in 1–2 weeks.

    • Incision: Keep dry for 5–7 days; absorbable sutures dissolve, or non-absorbable sutures removed in 7–10 days; scars fade in 6–12 months.

    • Arm (if SLNB): Gentle exercises to prevent stiffness; avoid heavy lifting to reduce lymphedema risk (1–3% with SLNB).

    • Results: Histopathology report in 3–7 days; determines if lump is benign (e.g., fibroadenoma) or malignant, guiding further treatment (e.g., radiation for cancer).

  • Activity:

    • Light activities (e.g., walking) within 2–3 days; desk jobs in 5–7 days.

    • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or arm strain for 2–3 weeks.

    • Full recovery: 4–6 weeks; cancer patients may need longer due to adjuvant therapy.

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visits at 1 week (suture removal, pathology review), 1 month, and 3 months.

    • Mammogram or ultrasound (cancer cases): 6 months post-surgery for baseline.

    • Oncology consultation for cancer patients (e.g., radiation for lumpectomy, 4–6 weeks; ₱100,000–₱300,000).

  • Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 95–98% achieve complete lump removal; cancer recurrence after lumpectomy with radiation is 5–10% in 5 years (depends on stage, tumor biology).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma in breast; may require surgical drainage.

    • Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.

    • Anesthesia Risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.

  • Post-Surgery:

    • Seroma (2–5%): Fluid collection at surgical site; may need aspiration.

    • Asymmetry (2–5%): Minor breast shape change; may need cosmetic correction (e.g., fat grafting, ₱100,000–₱200,000).

    • Scarring (1–3%): Keloid or hypertrophic scars; minimized with proper technique but common in Filipino skin types.

    • Lymphedema (1–3%, with SLNB): Arm swelling; managed with compression garments or physiotherapy.

  • Long-Term:

    • Cancer Recurrence (5–10%, lumpectomy): Reduced with radiation and/or chemotherapy; requires regular mammograms.

    • Changes in Breast Sensation (1–3%): Usually temporary; resolves in 3–6 months.

  • Report fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a breast lump?
Benign causes include fibroadenoma (most common in young women), cysts, or fibrocystic changes; malignant causes include breast cancer or phyllodes tumors.

Can I avoid breast lump excision?
Yes, for small, asymptomatic benign lumps (e.g., fibroadenoma): Monitor with imaging every 6–12 months (30–40% of cases). Surgery is needed for suspicious lumps, cancer, or symptomatic cases.

Is breast lump excision painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication; discomfort subsides in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 3–5 days; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid heavy lifting or arm strain for 2–3 weeks.

Is breast lump excision covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱20,000–₱50,000 for diagnostic/therapeutic cases); private insurance typically covers suspected cancer or medical necessity. PCSO assistance may apply. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Fever, severe swelling, redness, or arm swelling (if SLNB) require immediate attention.

Will my breast look normal after surgery?
90–95% achieve good cosmetic outcomes with minimal scarring; minor asymmetry possible; cancer cases may require further treatment (e.g., radiation, mastectomy).

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Wear a supportive bra, avoid arm strain, monitor for recurrence (cancer cases), attend regular follow-ups, and maintain breast self-exams or imaging.

Conclusion

Breast lump excision is a safe and effective procedure to diagnose or treat breast lumps, with high success rates and minimal impact on breast appearance. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide quality care at costs ranging from ₱80,000 to ₱250,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance for medical necessity. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach surgery confidently. Consult a breast surgeon for personalized guidance and to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Breast Lump Excision

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
30,000
100,000
Antipolo
30,000
100,000
Bacolod
30,000
100,000
Bacoor
30,000
80,000
Baguio
30,000
100,000
Butuan
30,000
80,000
Cagayan de Oro
30,000
100,000
Caloocan
30,000
80,000
Cebu City
40,000
150,000
Dasmariñas
30,000
80,000
Davao City
40,000
150,000
General Santos
30,000
100,000
General Trias
30,000
80,000
Iligan
30,000
100,000
Iloilo City
30,000
100,000
Las Piñas
30,000
100,000
Makati
40,000
150,000
Malolos
30,000
80,000
Manila
40,000
150,000
Muntinlupa
30,000
100,000
Parañaque
30,000
100,000
Pasay
30,000
100,000
Pasig
40,000
150,000
Puerto Princesa
30,000
100,000
Quezon City
40,000
150,000
San Fernando
30,000
80,000
San Jose del Monte
30,000
80,000
Taguig
40,000
150,000
Valenzuela
30,000
80,000
Zamboanga City
30,000
100,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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