Dr Pieter Swart

Benign breast conditions are unusual growths or other changes in the breast tissue that are non-cancerous. Fibroadenomas are one of the most common benign breast tumors, often feeling like a marble within the breast. They are most common in women in their 20's and 30's, but they can be found in women and men of any age. While lumps found in the breast can be alarming, when necessary you may be referred to Dr Swart to have them removed.

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Why would I need surgery?

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You may be referred to have a suspicious lump removed after some investigation. A lumpectomy may then be advised to remove the benign growth as a precaution. 

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What does the surgery involve?

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Before surgery your surgeon will make marks on your breast to plan the surgery. Under general anaesthesia, a lumpectomy may be done by removing the growth or abnormal tissue, as well as a small amount of surrounding tissue from the breast. The incisions are then sutured closed.

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What can I expect after my surgery?

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After waking up from anaesthesia, you may have some pain around the incision, and the skin over your breast may feel firm and tender, and be bruised. You will need to stay in hospital for a few days for observation. Pain medications will be prescribed for you. Your medical team will inform you how best to care for your breast and the incisions. You will be instructed on how to exercise your arm in order to aid recovery and healing. The tenderness should go away in about 2-3 days and the bruising within two weeks. Firmness and swelling in the breast may last for 3-6 months.  Dr Swart will advise you on follow up to see him in his rooms post surgery and discharge from hospital.

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