Seroma aspiration

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1

Hi everybody, I had surgery in Oct 2024 including a sentinel node removal. I developed a seroma in my armpit after the sentinel node removal. It couldn’t be drained during chemo or radiotherapy they recommended I left it and if it was still there once treatment was over to then have it aspirated . I had it aspirated today it was an uncomfortable procedure but fluid was clear no sign of infection.

No advise or do’s and don’ts was given I was just told to take the dressing off tonight and I’d be good to go .

I really don’t want it to refill with fluid. If any one has got any advice or what your experience of having this procedure was like I’d be really great full.:+1:

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Hi Steve,
Hope you are feeling a bit better. How did you have Radiotherapy with a Seroma, did it not affect the planning?
How did it go for you?

I am soon to have Radiotherapy as well but I am surprised I will never speak to an Oncologist, did you manage to see one?
I also had Seroma drained after my mastectomy. It was drained after the actual drain was accidentally pulled out & I had to go back weekly for 5 weeks.
Ever increasing amounts of fluid were removed started at 60 ml riding to 150 ml until I eventually asked surgeons to actually find out what on earth was going on.

He asked someone to do an ultrasound & found 2 hematomas floating about so I had to have another op to remove them.
What upset me most was how he then sewed in 3 places my breast tissue to my chest wall & extended my scar from under my breast by 3” into my armpit. The hematomas were only the size of a walnut.

I look like an ugly upholstered sofa that has been butchered. He will not see me again to discuss a revision.

I have been treated at Hereford Hospital unfortunately it has not been that reassuring an experience most of the surgeons seem to be locums.

Good luck with your treatment I hope you have a good outcome.

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@mrsp1

Hi, gosh that sounds like you’ve had a tough time.
I’ve only seen my oncologist once in person but have had a couple of phone appointments before treatments and some after treatments. Some times it wasn’t the actual specialist it was one of her team .
When I had a CT scan before Radiotherapy I mentioned the seroma in my armpit and she could see it on the scan they said Radiotherapy was fine to go ahead but if a had it drained during Radiotherapy id have to have another scan and start the process again of mapping so it was best to leave it till after radiotherapy was finished. Radiotherapy went ok my skin had a reaction like prickly heat a lot of aching and I’m so tired but all in all ok.
Fingers crossed I don’t need it aspirating again I’m doing my exercises still and I’m booked for physio next month . I’m hoping to go swimming once I feel a bit more confident to get a bit more exercise. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing too much or too little I’ve not had much guidance on that regarding lifting and exercise not sure if I’m making things worse or better . X

4

Hi stevie-puggle

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable that you’re looking for information about how to reduce the chance of your seroma refilling.

Developing a seroma after surgery is quite common, for most people the seroma will resolve as the fluid is reabsorbed by the body over a time, but for others they can remain longer, as in your case. Larger seromas can take longer to resolve.

There is no specific instruction you can follow to help with the management of a persistent seroma. It’s important to continue to use your arm and carry out your post operative exercises. Some people find that more strenuous activity can increase the risk of developing a seroma or the seroma refilling. For other people this has no effect.

As you’ve had no opportunity to discuss this, you may find it helpful to talk with your breast care nurse about the seroma persisting and what may be done if this continues.

In some rare situations management of persistent seromas may involve the use of compression dressings to help reduce fluid accumulation, or occasionally surgery to remove of the seroma and its capsule and close the space with stitches.

At times like this, some people find it helpful to connect and talk with others who’ve had a similar experience. You can do this via our Someone Like Me service or by using some of the other areas of this Forum.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. You may be particularly interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Catherine

Breast Care Nurse

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