Lymph Node Biopsy because of a Seroma?

Veeder14

I had a lumpectomy in January and 7 lymph nodes removed in my armpit which were non cancerous but I developed 2 seromas. The first one was found and drained twice by the surgeon and no longer has fluid. The second was found back in March (as I was starting Radiation), and ultrasounded a few weeks ago as there was a questions about whether it was an enlarged lymph node or a seroma. It turned out to be seroma rather than an enlarged lymph node. It was drained once by the surgeon, and then today by Radiology under ultrasound guidance. The order indicated that the surgeon wanted the lymph node closest to the seroma to be biopsied. The Radiology doctor said the lymph node looked normal on ultrasound but if the seroma fills up again, she will do the biopsy.

Has anyone heard of doing a biopsy after surgery and sentinel node biopsy is done especially when the lymph node looks normal? I wonder if that involves totally removing an additional lymph node? Every time I've had lymph nodes removed I always develop seromas that are painful and need to be drained. I'm not really in favor of removing more just to get a 3rd seroma. I will have to speak with the surgeon about the reason for his request however if anyone has information about this can you let me know. Thanks.

Cpeachymom

Veeder14- They might be able to do just a fine needle biopsy. I had one on my non cancer side they wanted checked. They numb it and go poking at it with a needle. Not too bad, but it was sore for a few days. Hopefully that’s all they mean and hopefully you don’t need one at all!

Veeder14

Hi Cpeachymom,

Thanks for your reply. Ok, that wouldn't be so bad. I'll have to find out what the concern is. I did hear the fellow and Dr. confirm that the fluid aspirated looked like lymph fluid. Maybe there was a question about what it was or something.