Contents Surgery Follow-Up Recovery Timeline Coping with Recovery Wound Care Frequently Asked Questions A lumpectomy is surgery to remove a breast cancer tumor or lump of breast tissue. It is also called breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy since it leaves most of the breast tissue untouched. It is often used when the lump is small and remains confined to the breast. This technique often does not require a hospital stay. While less severe than removing the entire breast, however, lu