Definition of Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy: The surgical removal of a small tumor (a lump) which may or may not be benign (or malignant). Lumpectomy has come to refer specially to the removal of a lump from the breast.
The word "lumpectomy" is a hybrid term. "Lump" is of Middle English origin while "-ectomy" comes from two Greek roots "ek" (out) + "tome" (a cutting) = a cutting of. So a lumpectomy is literally "a cutting out of a lump."
A lumpectomy is as opposed to a mastectomy in which the breast is removed. It is a more conservative approach to breast tumor surgery.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6665
Last Editorial Review: 1/15/2000
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