I had high grade DCIS so had a lumpectomy and one lymph node removed in March 2010 and 28 rads. I was told after the op that I had a haematoma and I have been going to physio twice a week since then where they do a sort of drainage massage on the boob which I assumed was just for lymphatic drainage.
I stopped physio for a few weeks in December because I was getting fed up of going but when I had a check up a few weeks ago with the Oncologist he said there was some swelling (which I knew about) and that there was probably slight fluid build up and possibly a haematoma. So I am back at physio for another 10 weeks, but is it possible to have a haematoma a year after the op?
The area is tender, but it was like that before my op anyway.
I am due to have my next mammo / Ultrasound in April and I am getting a bit concerned they’ll start biopsying it. Has anyone else had a long-term haematoma?? Whats the chance of them just leaving it?
Hi Spudgirl
I haven’t had a heamatoma but have still got a seroma 10 months on from mastectomy.
Just thought I’d bump this up as no one has answered yet
x
I suffered from seromas after my double mx and then after I’d finished rads and things were starting to finally heal I developed a haematoma on one side. It wasn’t 12 months after but it was 7 months. It was like a small tennis ball and my surgeon drained it and it was fine after that. I’m not sure it needed draining but it was uncomfortable for me to lie on (I couldn’t lie on the other side which was more sore)
Sounds like you may need to go and see your surgeon.
Very curious as to exactly what the physiotherapy is for though?
I know it’s not quite the same thing but I am currently in hospital with what the suspect is an infected haematoma in my pelvis following my hysterectomy 5 months ago.
Actually quite glad that’s what it is as they were also querying appendicitis and more worryingly colon cancer or liver mets but CT scan has ruled out them out.
Had major pain at the weekend then a temp after admission and blood test called CRP was 218 which is normally under 10. Iv been on Iv antibiotics since Tuesday and they are maybe letting me home tomorrow.
I know it’s not quite 12 months and I know it’s not in the breast but I guessit could happen just the same.
Im at the early stage as I had second mx and ld flap nearly 3 weeks ago and developed a large haematoma. It is bruised, spongey, sore and very uncomfortable. They tried draining mine but it had congealed so they said my body would have to absorb it, they did say it can be a long process and from the information I’ve since received, I do believe it can take many months. Hope this helps!
I’m off to see the surgeon next Thursday anyway, which I think is just a check-up a year on. Getting a little anxious she’ll start prodding around again, I’d rather just leave it as it is if I don’t really need anything done.
Lulu - I’m glad they’ve ruled out anything too bad - although it must still be really unpleasant! Hope you get it sorted soon!
Elinda - the physio is quite strange. I think in the UK if you get swelling / lymphodaema they can do physio on it, but its usually after you’ve got it when its difficult to treat.
I’m in Belgium at the mo and they do physio as a matter of course to stop fluid and lymphodaema happening in the first place. They use this machine on me which is the same they use in some beauty salons for cellulite, it sort of sucks the skin and irons out lumps and bumps so I am guessing it pushes any fluid away or potential for it. I keep trying to persuade the physio to try it on my thighs but she’s having none of it They do all round the boob area and round my shoulder/back because I also had a lymph node removed. The thing is I’ve been going to the hospital for that twice a week for nearly a year now - and its getting on my nerves a bit but I know I shouldn’t be ungrateful!
They do all round the boob area and round my shoulder/back because I also had a lymph node removed. The thing is I’ve been going to the hospital for that twice a week for nearly a year now - and its getting on my nerves a bit