Wide Localisation / Lumpectomy of the Breast
Date issued: November 2025
Review date: November 2027
Leaflet section: Breast Care
PDF: Wide Localisation Lumpectomy of the Breast.pdf [pdf] 142KB
West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening Service
WLE of a Breast Lump or Suspicious Area of Tissue
The aim of the surgery is to remove the cancer with a surrounding area of healthy tissue. If your surgery is to remove an invasive cancer, axillary (armpit) node surgery will also be necessary. A dent or change in shape of your breast may be noticeable afterwards, especially if you have smaller breasts. This may improve in time. It is usually less marked in women with larger breasts. Every effort is made to ensure adequate removal of the tissue, but a further operation will be required at a later date if the margins have not been obtained.
Before Surgery
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You will be medically assessed before your operation.
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The doctor will ask you to sign a consent form. This will state the operation you are having, and it is important you understand it before signing. The side of your operation will be marked by an arrow with indelible pen prior to your surgery.
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You will be asked by the doctor if you consent for any tissue/fluid samples to be used for evaluation purposes, research or quality control.
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You will be seen by an anaesthetist who will discuss with you any previous anaesthetics you have had and any side affects you have suffered e.g. sickness.
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If you have any specific dietary requirements, please tell the ward staff when you are admitted.
After Surgery
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The wound will be covered with a clear, waterproof dressing called Opsite. This will normally be removed 7-10 days after surgery.
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There is no right or wrong time to look at your wound, this is your choice.
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You may feel numbness and tightness around the wound; this is normal and part of the healing process.
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You may bath/shower with your Opsite dressing in place.
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An Outpatient appointment will be given to you. This is to check the wound and to discuss your results from the Pathologist’s report and any further treatment that may be necessary in light of the results from the report.
At Home
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If you notice any inflammation, swelling or discharge from your wound, contact your GP or Breast Care Nurse.
You may bath/shower. Do not use talc or deodorant near the wound until it is healed as it may cause skin irritation.
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For added support and comfort you may choose to wear a non-wired bra day and night for at least 7 days.
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Take simple pain killers for any discomfort.
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You may feel tired for the first few weeks after your operation. Allow yourself time to adjust to the side effects of the surgery. Perform only light household duties initially. Emotionally recovering from the breast surgery can take some time.
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You may return to work when you feel able to do so.
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Resume driving once the wound has healed and you feel ok to do so.
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If after any further treatment you are aware of a difference in size between your breasts, please contact your Breast Care Nurse. She will assess you for a partial prosthesis to put in your bra.
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If you have any queries or worries at home, do not hesitate to contact your GP or Breast Care Nurse.
Further information will be provided on discharge from the hospital.
Breast Awareness
You will have regular check-ups following your surgery. It is still advisable to be breast aware. This involves looking at and feeling your breasts, scar and armpits for any changes. By doing this periodically, you will know what is normal for you. Discuss any concerns with your GP or Breast Care Nurse.
Breast Care Nurse Answerphone: 01752 431898
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
