Summary:
- The cost of breast lump removal surgery depends on the type, size, and location of the lump, the type of anaesthesia used, and whether the procedure is performed as day surgery or requires an overnight stay.
- Your total bill typically includes separate charges for the consultation, breast specialist’s fee, anaesthesia, operating facility, histopathology, and follow-up care.
- Not every breast lump requires surgery. Imaging tests and, where appropriate, a breast biopsy, determine whether removal is necessary.
- Like any surgical procedure, breast lump removal carries potential risks and involves a recovery period, so it’s important to understand more than just the cost.
- Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre works closely with Luma Women’s Imaging Centre to bring specialist consultation, imaging, biopsy, surgery and follow-up care together under one roof. This can help minimise the additional time, travel and administrative costs that may come with navigating care across different hospitals or clinics, while giving you a clearer view of the costs involved throughout your treatment journey.
Being told that you may need to have a breast lump removed can understandably bring up questions about both the procedure and the cost. The good news is that finding a breast lump does not automatically mean you need surgery.
The first step is to understand what the lump is and whether removal is actually necessary. Depending on your symptoms, clinical examination and imaging findings, your doctor may recommend monitoring, further imaging or a breast biopsy before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.
If breast lump removal is recommended, the cost will depend on the type of procedure, anaesthesia, facility, pathology and whether the procedure can be performed as day surgery. Your insurance coverage and MediSave eligibility can also affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
Breast Lump Removal Cost at a Glance
The cost of breast lump removal surgery can depend on:
- whether surgery is necessary
- the type and size of the breast lump
- the surgical procedure performed
- whether it is performed as a day surgery or requires an overnight stay
- breast specialist, anaesthetist and facility fees
- pathology testing
- insurance and MediSave eligibility
There is no single price for breast lump removal surgery because the recommended procedure depends on what your lump is and what your specialist finds during assessment.
How Much Does Breast Lump Removal Surgery Cost In Singapore?
There is no single fixed price for breast lump removal surgery in Singapore because the procedure depends on what the lump is, where it is located and what your breast specialist recommends after assessment.
For excision biopsy of a single breast lump (TOSP code SA812B), the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s published bill data shows day-surgery bills ranging from S$812 to S$10,619 across different healthcare settings. These figures are based on historical transacted bills and are intended as a reference only, rather than a quotation for your individual procedure.
At Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, the cost of surgery can only be discussed meaningfully once your breast specialist has assessed your condition and established the recommended treatment plan. The final cost may include the breast specialist’s fee, anaesthesia, facility charges, pathology and other applicable costs, and your insurance coverage may affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
Does Every Breast Lump Require Surgery?
Finding a breast lump does not necessarily mean that it needs to be removed.
Many breast lumps are benign and may only require monitoring. Depending on the clinical examination and imaging findings, your doctor may recommend further imaging or a breast biopsy before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.
At Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, your assessment is guided by a breast specialist. Where further investigations are required, diagnostic imaging and image-guided biopsy can be coordinated with Luma Women’s Imaging Centre as part of an integrated pathway from assessment to diagnosis and treatment.
For some patients, breast assessment can otherwise involve several appointments across different clinics or hospitals, from imaging and biopsy to surgery and follow-up. Having these services coordinated as part of an integrated care pathway can reduce unnecessary travel and administrative steps at an already stressful time.
The aim is to understand what the lump is before deciding what needs to be done about it.
Will Your Insurance Cover Breast Lump Removal Surgery?
The amount you pay out of pocket may be quite different from the total cost of surgery. Your insurance coverage, MediSave eligibility and panel status can all affect the final amount you pay. It is therefore worth checking your coverage early, particularly if surgery is being considered.
MediSave
MediSave can be used for eligible surgical procedures and day-surgery expenses, subject to prevailing withdrawal limits. For an excision biopsy of a single breast lump (TOSP code SA812B, Table 2C), the current surgery withdrawal limit is up to S$1,120. Eligible day-surgery hospital charges can also be claimed from MediSave, subject to the applicable S$830 per day limit.
The amount you can actually claim depends on your procedure and the prevailing MediSave withdrawal limits.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life provides basic health insurance coverage for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including coverage for eligible hospitalisation and day-surgery expenses. Its coverage is based on subsidised public healthcare rates, so it may cover a smaller proportion of a private healthcare bill.
Integrated Shield Plans
If you have an Integrated Shield Plan (IP), the amount covered depends on your specific plan, insurer, panel status and the treatment recommended. Your rider, if you have one, may also affect the deductible and co-payment you need to pay.
From 1 April 2026, new IP riders are subject to revised requirements, including a minimum 5% co-payment and a minimum co-payment cap of S$6,000 for eligible claims, excluding the minimum deductible. Existing policies may have different terms, so it is important to check with your insurer before proceeding with planned surgery.
Panel status and pre-authorisation
If surgery is recommended, it is worth checking your insurer and panel status before proceeding. Some insurers require pre-authorisation or a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) for planned procedures.
At Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, our Business Office team assists patients with the financial and administrative aspects of their care. Once your breast specialist has assessed you and recommended a treatment plan, the team can help check your panel status, prepare the relevant pre-authorisation or LOG, and guide you through the claims process.
If you have a breast lump and would like to understand what assessment or treatment may be appropriate, our team can help you arrange a consultation with a breast specialist.
What Are The Different Types Of Breast Lumps?
Not all breast lumps are the same, and the type of lump you have can influence the treatment recommended and the cost of surgery.
- Fibroadenoma: A smooth, firm lump that moves easily under the skin when pressed. It is the most common type of benign breast lump in younger women.
- Breast cyst: A fluid-filled sac that may feel soft or firm and can become tender, particularly around your menstrual cycle. Its size may fluctuate over time.
- Lipoma: A soft, slow-growing lump made up of fatty tissue. Lipomas are benign and are rarely a cause for concern.
- Phyllodes tumour: A less common breast tumour that can grow relatively quickly. Most are benign, but some may be cancerous, requiring closer monitoring or more extensive treatment.
- A new or changing breast lump: Some breast cancers can present as a firm or hard lump, but the way a lump feels cannot determine whether it is cancerous. Any new, persistent or changing breast lump should be assessed by a doctor, particularly if there are other changes such as skin dimpling, nipple changes or an enlarged lymph node.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Breast Lump Removal Surgery?
Let’s take a closer look at the cost factors so you can better understand what is included in your quotation.
- Size, number, and location of the lump: Larger lumps, multiple lumps, or lumps located in more complex areas (such as near the chest wall or nipple) may require more surgical time and a more involved procedure, which can increase costs.
- Type of anaesthesia used: General anaesthesia generally costs more than local anaesthesia because it involves an anaesthetist’s fee, additional monitoring, and greater operating room requirements.
- Day surgery versus overnight admission: Procedures performed as day surgery usually have lower facility costs. If an overnight stay is required, additional ward and hospital charges will apply.
- Breast specialist and healthcare facility fees: Costs can vary depending on the breast specialist’s fees, the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed, and whether you are treated in a public or private setting.
- Surgical method used: The procedure required depends on the diagnosis and clinical circumstances. An excisional biopsy to remove a breast lump is different from a lumpectomy performed as part of breast cancer treatment, and the complexity, operating time and resources required can therefore differ.
If surgery is being considered, a consultation with a breast specialist is the first step. Your breast specialist can assess the lump, explain whether removal is necessary and discuss the treatment options. Once a treatment plan has been established, our team can help you understand the expected costs and insurance arrangements.
What Can You Expect Before, During, And After Surgery?
If your breast specialist does recommend breast lump removal, here’s what the process looks like, from preparation through to recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
Before your breast lump removal procedure, your breast specialist will first conduct a thorough medical assessment to understand your condition and plan the most appropriate approach.
This may include diagnostic imaging such as mammography, breast ultrasound, or, where appropriate, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the lump’s size, location, and characteristics.
If your procedure requires general anaesthesia, you will receive specific pre-surgery instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking, which medications may need to be adjusted, and any activities you should avoid in the days leading up to surgery.
Procedure and Recovery at a Glance
| Removal Method | Duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Excisional biopsy | Often completed within about an hour, depending on the case | Many patients can resume light activities within several days |
| Lumpectomy | Varies depending on the extent of surgery | Often around 1-2 weeks for initial recovery, although individual recovery varies |
These are general estimates, not guarantees. Your procedure time and recovery will depend on the size and location of the lump, the extent of surgery, your general health and the type of work or activities you need to return to.
When can I return to work?
Many patients can return to light or desk-based work within several days after a straightforward breast lump removal, although this varies depending on the procedure and individual recovery. If your work involves heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity, you may need more time. Your breast specialist will advise you based on your surgery and recovery.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
The first few days after breast lump removal surgery are usually focused on managing discomfort and allowing your body to heal.
It’s normal to experience mild to moderate soreness around the incision site, which can usually be managed with paracetamol or prescribed pain medication. Your breast specialist will also advise you to rest and avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and driving for a period of time, depending on the extent of your surgery and your recovery progress.
A drain is not usually required after a straightforward breast lump removal, although your breast specialist may recommend one depending on the extent of surgery and the amount of fluid expected. If one is necessary, your care team will explain how to manage it until removal.
Your follow-up appointments are also an important opportunity to review your pathology results, discuss any further treatment if required, and monitor your recovery.
If appropriate, your breast specialist may also recommend post-operative support such as a compression garment during your recovery.
What Are the Potential Complications of Breast Lump Removal Surgery?
Like any procedure, breast lump removal carries some risks. Your breast specialist will assess these based on the type and location of the lump, the procedure planned and your overall health. Possible risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection
- Scarring
- Pain or temporary altered sensation
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Changes in breast shape or contour, depending on the size and location of the lump removed
If a more extensive procedure is required, such as surgery involving the lymph nodes, additional risks such as lymphoedema or reduced shoulder movement may apply. Your breast specialist will discuss these with you if they are relevant to your treatment.
What happens after the lump is removed?
The tissue removed during surgery is sent for histopathological examination to establish the diagnosis.
Your breast specialist will review the pathology results with you at your follow-up appointment and explain whether any further treatment or monitoring is needed.
In some cases, the final pathology result may differ from what was expected from the initial assessment. If this happens, your breast specialist will explain what the result means and discuss the next steps with you.
Understand Your Costs Before Making a Decision
The cost of breast lump removal surgery in Singapore is not a single fixed figure. Your total bill comprises several components, including consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, anaesthesia, pathology, and follow-up care.
At Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, we believe that understanding your diagnosis should come before deciding on treatment.
Your breast specialist will assess your condition, explain whether surgery is necessary and discuss the options appropriate for you. Once a treatment plan has been established, our Business Office team can assist with the financial and administrative aspects of your care, including insurance and pre-authorisation where applicable.
Where further imaging or biopsy is required, Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre works closely with Luma Women’s Imaging Centre to coordinate the diagnostic pathway. This integrated approach can reduce the need to navigate multiple providers separately and helps keep the focus on what matters most: understanding your diagnosis and deciding on the right next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast lump removal surgery covered by insurance in Singapore?
Many private insurance plans and Integrated Shield Plans offer some coverage, though this depends on your specific policy and whether pre-authorisation is required.
How long does recovery take after breast lump removal surgery?
Recovery typically ranges from a few days to about two weeks, depending on the removal method used and your own healing.
Will breast lump removal surgery leave a visible scar?
Any breast surgery will leave some degree of scarring, although how visible it becomes depends on the incision, size and location of the lump, the surgical technique and individual healing.
Can I use MediSave for breast lump removal surgery?
MediSave can be used for eligible surgical and day-surgery expenses, subject to prevailing withdrawal limits. For SA812B, the current surgery withdrawal limit is up to S$1,120, while eligible day-surgery hospital charges are subject to the applicable S$830 per day limit.
Can I go home the same day?
Many straightforward breast lump removal procedures can be performed as day surgery, allowing patients to return home on the same day. Whether this is appropriate depends on the procedure, anaesthesia, your medical condition and your recovery immediately after surgery.
What are the risks of breast lump removal surgery?
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, and scarring. Lymphedema (arm swelling), numbness, or reduced arm mobility are also possible, though these are more commonly linked to more extensive procedures than to a straightforward lump excision.
Are all breast lumps the same, or does the type affect the surgery?
No, lump type (such as a fibroadenoma, cyst, lipoma, or phyllodes tumour) affects both the recommended approach and, in turn, the cost.
References
[1] Ajmal, M., Khan, M., & Van Fossen, K. (2022, October 6). Breast fibroadenoma. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535345/
[2] Central Provident Fund Board. (2026, April 26). Using MediSave for hospitalisation. CPF Board. https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/healthcare-financing/using-your-medisave-savings/using-medisave-for-hospitalisation
[3] Ministry of Health, Singapore. (2026, August 27). SA812B – Breast, lump (single), excision biopsy. https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/bills-and-fee-benchmarks/cost-financing/tosp-sa812b-bill-information/
[4] LeWine, H. E. (Reviewer). (2025, March 22). Excisional biopsy of the breast. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/excisional-biopsy-of-the-breast-a-to-z
[5] Cancer Research UK. (2026, June 18). Possible problems after breast conserving surgery. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/problems-after-surgery