Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is Breast Conserving Surgery?
Breast conserving surgery involves removing the tumour and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue (called a margin) to help ensure all the cancer cells have been taken out. The aim is to remove all the cancer while preserving the natural shape and size of the breast as much as possible.
This type of surgery is commonly used in the treatment of early breast cancer and may be followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. It can be an alternative to mastectomy for many women.
Key points:
- Only the affected area and a margin of breast tissue are removed
- The surgeon removes just enough tissue to achieve clear margins
- In some cases, more tissue may be taken if positive margins are found
- Lymph nodes in the underarm area may also be tested using techniques such as radioactive liquid, magnetic seeds, or a fine wire guide
Some patients may also be offered oncoplastic surgery or therapeutic mammoplasty to reshape the breast or reduce the size of the other breast to maintain symmetry.
Breast Conserving Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide compassionate, consultant-led care for women undergoing breast conserving surgery.
Why choose us:
- Expert Breast Surgeons: Our consultants are specialists in breast cancer surgery and oncoplastic techniques, aiming to remove all the cancer while preserving appearance and comfort.
- Personalised Support: From diagnosis to recovery, our breast care nurse team and oncology specialists offer expert guidance and emotional support.
- Same-Day Consultations: Early access to surgical planning and second opinions.
- Private and Welcoming Setting: Located in NW8, close to Hampstead and Kilburn, with modern facilities and attentive care.
We work closely with oncology teams to ensure every patient has the most appropriate breast cancer treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or further surgery depending on your individual diagnosis.
Consultants who perform breast conserving surgery
Medically reviewed by Mrs Jacqueline Lewis - FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast) on 25/04/2024
How much does private Breast Conserving Surgery cost?
Guide price from £10,000*
The cost of Breast Conserving Surgery is from £10,000* (guide price only) at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
The price shown is an estimated guide price for related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. This will vary depending on your surgical needs. This guide price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics or the surgeon or anaesthetist free.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Conserving Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), within easy reach of nearby areas such as Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk away.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189
By Car:
We are easily accessed from NW3 and NW6 via Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road.
If pathology results show that cancer cells are still present at the edge of the removed tissue (known as positive margins), your consultant may recommend more surgery to remove additional tissue. This helps reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and ensures clear margins are achieved.
Breast conserving surgery may change the breast shape, particularly if a large area of breast tissue is removed. In such cases, oncoplastic surgery or a breast reduction technique may be used to reshape the remaining tissue or match the other breast.
Your surgeon will discuss options before your operation and help you understand what to expect.
Yes, radiation therapy is often recommended after conserving surgery to treat any remaining cancer cells in the breast tissue. Some women may also need chemotherapy or hormone therapy, depending on the type of breast cancer and the findings after surgery.
In many cases, breast conserving surgery preserves most of the natural breast tissue, so full breast reconstruction may not be necessary. However, if a larger portion of tissue is removed or if the breast shape changes significantly, your surgeon may recommend oncoplastic surgery or therapeutic mammoplasty to reshape the breast and improve symmetry. This can involve using your own tissue or performing a reduction on the other breast for balance. Your options will be discussed during your consultation, with a focus on achieving the best possible cosmetic and clinical outcome.
Arrival and Preparation
Upon your arrival, our welcoming staff will guide you through the final steps before your surgery. This includes a review of your medical history and any last-minute questions to ensure you’re completely ready for the procedure.
Anaesthesia
Breast conserving surgery typically requires general anaesthesia, ensuring you’re asleep and pain-free throughout. Our experienced anaesthetists are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience, tailoring their approach to your specific needs.
The Surgery
Our breast cancer specialists employ advanced surgical techniques tailored to remove the cancer effectively while striving to preserve the appearance and function of your breast. The extent of tissue removal depends on the tumour’s size and location, with our team committed to keeping you informed and comfortable every step of the way.
Following the removal of the tumour, we focus on closing the incision with care to promote healing and minimise scarring. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and support from our team before you leave, ensuring you know what to expect during your recovery, including wound care, signs to watch for indicating complications, and any medications to aid your recovery.
The recovery period varies depending on the individual and the surgery’s extent. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, with specific guidance on avoiding strain to aid healing.
Follow-up appointments are crucial for assessing your recovery, reviewing pathology results to confirm the removal of cancer cells, and discussing any further treatment needed. Our dedicated team offers continuous support and reassurance throughout your recovery journey.