A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue from the breast. It is often performed to treat breast cancer while preserving as much of the breast as possible. This type of surgery is typically recommended for patients with early-stage breast cancer. After a lumpectomy, patients may undergo additional treatments, such as radiation therapy, to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Recovery time varies, but many individuals can resume normal activities within a few weeks.