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65 y/o, have a post-mastectomy seroma for 2+ yrs.
Sent to Health Experts September 01 11:31 PM

I'm 65 y/o and have had a post-mastectomy seroma for 2+ years. It did not resorb as the surgeon expected. It's about 7x3 in. and causes discomfort when I lie on my right side and wearing my mastectomy bra. It's quite firm, can be indented only a little. My oncologists say it's nothing to worry about. A CT scan last mo. confirmed the seroma. I've had chemo, AC and Taxol, radiation to the LEFT chest, herceptin for 1 yr. I'm told I'm now cancer free.(also free of heart damage).. Can I have it surgically removed at this point? If so, what would be involved?.

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 65

Already Tried:
I have done nothing. The seroma was never drained. It is not inflammed and I'm afebrile.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $30
Answer
September 1 11:49 PM (18 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hello,

Have you discussed with your doctors about draining the seroma and steroid injections? This is the standard treatment of post mastectomy seroma.

A surgical removal is not a good option as the seroma has no clearcut boundaries along which it can be cut and removed. You are probably aware that it is a collection of fluids -exudate from the place where surgery to remove the breast had taken place.

But, draining the fluid and then injecting steroids into it to cause sclerosis and closure of the free space can be done and is usually successful.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you need more input. If not, please click on the green"Accept" button on this page. A positive rating and adding a bonus will be warmly appreciated.



Experienced in the management of Pregnancy,Infertility,Menopause and all problems in Pregnancy and Gynecology
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Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3524 Health Accepts
Fifteen years experience in active private practice in Obst & Gynecology
Reply
September 1 11:56 PM (6 minutes and 41 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD(O's Post: Thanks so much for responding. I'm not sure it can be drained at this point. It feels hard, as if it has solidified. Is that possible? The CT scan still identifies it as a "seroma".
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 2 12:08 AM (12 minutes and 56 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hello,

If it is a seroma (as identified by the CT), then there is fluid inside. The hardness could be due to the thickness of the tissues around it - and the thickness could be due to a post surgical inflammation.

But the fluid can still be taken out - it will need an ultrasonogram-directed needle aspiration and steroid injection.

A seroma normally does not cause any problem and can be allowed to remain. But since you are suffering from some amount of discomfort, you need to be treated .

A CT should also be able to diagnose how much fluid the seroma contains and how much of the thickness is due to solid tissues. If fluid is minimal, then drainage will not help much. You will then need to discuss with your doctors the possibilities of removing some of the tissues - at least enough to prevent your discomfort. If there is quite a bit of fluid, then a drainage will be all that you need.

Please discuss with your doctors the options available to increase your level of comfort.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you need more input. If not, please click on the green"Accept" button on this page. A positive rating and adding a bonus will be warmly appreciated.



Experienced in the management of Pregnancy,Infertility,Menopause and all problems in Pregnancy and Gynecology
Picture
Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3524 Health Accepts
Fifteen years experience in active private practice in Obst & Gynecology
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