Seroma

Konakona

After my surgery the 17th, I developed a seroma, they have to drain it every day, not painfull but it sucks.

Does anyone know how long does it take for thos to resolve, the nurses told me it eill take a while, I am also on anthibiotic

ChiSandy

I had both SNLB-site and mammary (tumor-cavity) seromas. (I also had a tiny temporary seroma at the core-needle biopsy site). My surgeon didn’t want to drain them for fear of infection. By 2-1/2 wks post-lumpectomy, the SNLB-site (just below & in front of underarm) had grown to the size of a tangerine and burst spontaneously (the incision had been steri-stripped, not sutured). Had to make an emergency visit to the surgeon’s office, where more fluid was expressed and then the incision was sutured. The stitches were removed 2 wks later, and the incision has held. That seroma is now only about the size of a table grape, hard and not a problem. No infections, knock wood.

My mammary seroma is another story. Before radiation, it had simply filled the tumor cavity and made the breast exactly the same size and shape it was before lumpectomy. But by the second of 16 radiation treatments, my RO noticed it had enlarged (he called it “huge”) and was keeping an eye on it. A month after radiation ended, it is very large, hardened, and has enlarged my operated-on breast by over a cup size. (It had been the smaller of the two breasts, but now it is large enough that in a bra, my cleavage is skewed to the left). Because I am developing mild cording and possible lymphedema in the forearm on that size (seeing the LE doc as soon as I can get an appt.), I was concerned that the breast seroma might instead be truncal lymphedema, but the surgeon says it isn’t. She, my RO and primary care doc say it could take a year or more to subside and reveal the true shape of my post-lumpectomy breast.

Wish I had more encouraging news for you, and advice other than “be patient, it is what it is."

Konakona

well, at least it does not hurt and I can move my arm all directions, it's just a pain to have to go every dsy to have it drai

auntienance

It took mine well over a year to resolve. Fortunately it was not painful.

mustlovepoodles

I had a really huge seroma at the SNB site, almost the size of an orange. My BS tapped it and got about 150ml out (5-oz), then made an appt for me to come back in 3 day. Oops! It broke open the night before the appt and what a mess! Went in the morning and she got even MORE out. Made another appt for 3 more days; broke open again, this time pouring like a fountain. Next day, had it tapped AGAIN and same story, except this time it got really infected a few days later and they had to put a drain in for 2weeks, but thankfully I haven't had any more trouble since then. All told, I think this went on for about 6-8 weeks. To my knowledge it has all taken care of itself--no more sloshing.

Konakona

Well Ihad it drained again today, it seems that less liquid is coming out, no signs of infection

mustlovepoodles

That seems like a very good sign!

Meadow

Hang in there Kona!

Konakona

Well after a few really bad days, it's getting better, they still have to drain it every day but a lot less is coming out.

Meadow

I am so very glad to hear this

Evilmidget

I had my non-cancerous breast removed on Oct. 27th (my original Mastectomy was in January) and I developed a seroma that wasn't large, but my surgeon drained it twice. It's now back, but small and very hard. I'm thinking about leaving it alone since I have to pay for everything (no deductibles met). So.....my question is, how long does it usually take to re-absorb on it's own? Anyone know?