SEROMAS AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY: What you need to know!

[@summersea78]

Super helpful. I am watching this for my mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and two weeks later she fell, and broke her shoulder on the same side as the breast cancer. She’s had her lump ectomy, where they had to be extremely careful not to damage her shoulder even further. She is having some swelling now and I’m concerned it could be a seroma. Plan on bringing this to the attention of her surgeon in the morning. Definitely hasn’t been an easy road for her!

[@dariennehoknes7998]

I developed my seroma 6 months after my mastectomy. It was as large as the breast i had removed. It was really red and lots of pain. The fluid was tested and there was no infection. That was at the end of September 2021. The Dr. drained it by opening , flushing and packing it. It is now January of 2024 and am having this wound still packed and dressed 2 times a week. I am waiting for the surgeon to close up this wound. It has been a long road. I have been advised that the seroma may come back. I sure hope not.❤

[@adrianavaca2417]

Thank you for this video. I am experiencing all these symptoms after having a mastectomy done. Blessings to you for your video it was very helpful.

[@DeniseSeal]

This is so helpful and concise. I've had three needle aspirations, today being for an infected seroma. I wish I'd seen this sooner. Many thanks Jen. It's great.

[@tracyann484]

I'm two weeks post op lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy..I have a seroma in armpit which seems to be getting bigger slowly.not sure if mine is a "normal" size or not

[@nancyfelstein3148]

Thank you more good information ❤

[@patellis8366]

Jen Thankyou so much. I had masectomy end of May 2024. I have been telling all the professionals. Keep telling me is nothing just keep massaging it. Then they suggested it was cording. Everything you explained so well. It definitely is Seroma. Having those tests this week. Its as big as knee. Again THANKYOU.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! Apologies for my slow reply. I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@nanabananainavana7534]

I had a needle aspiration soon after my first breast cancer surgery. Thankfully no infection occurred. Your videos are very informative and helpful - thank you so much

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi! So sorry for my very slow reply. So pleased you are finding the videos helpful! Your feedback is very much appreciated. Jen

[@michellerichardson7611]

Always a pleasure to receive the information. I am learning a lot from you and I look forward to your videos❤️

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Michelle! So sorry for my slow reply. Thank you so much for your lovely feedback - I really appreciate it! Jen x

[@robynhollier2551]

So timely thanks so much for sharing this information.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks for your lovely feedback Robbie! Funny how the universe lines you up with things sometimes!! Jen :)

[@tebogomosinyi2683]

Thank you so much...needed to hear this information..

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Tebogo! So sorry for my slow reply. Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. Glad this video resonated with you. Jen

[@mariamusquiz991]

Very informative. Thank you for making the video

[@thecyclopes82]

Great Video Jen!! My mother got mastectomy and lymph node dissection on left side 6 months back. Pocket of Seroma got developed 10 days after the surgery & we need to do a needle aspiration every 10 days. Volume is generally 40-50 ml. My mother is really worried abt the issue and Doctors are very dismissive abt our queries. Doctor's only advice is to do exercise regularly suggested by Physio. I wanted to know how serious is this issue and are there any tips to make it go away sooner... Thanks!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks for your comment Pratik, that is a relatively small seroma but if it is causing her pain it needs attention. How often is she getting it drained now? Or have the doctors stopped aspirating it? Jen

[@thecyclopes82]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thanks Jen for the reply. We have to aspire seroma in every 10 days. It's filling up faster now, earlier it used to fill in every 15 days. My mother thinks it fills faster when she does exercise specially over the head stretches/exercises.. During surgery Doctors had to remove all lymph nodes under left arm.. Thanks 👍🏼

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks Pratik, it is possible the exercise is aggravating the seroma. It may be worthwhile resting from exercise for approximately 2 weeks and then re-assessing the seroma. Have this discussion with your Medical Team as well. Jen

[@thecyclopes82]

Thanks Jen...All the very best for your channel.. You are doing great job 👍🏼

[@cynthialesser2986]

I’m so grateful when u reply

[@tomboy2808]

thanks again for your reassurance and time .

[@susanwhite6761]

Your videos are SOOOOOOOOO helpful! Thank you so much. I wish my doctors were more informative in my case - a lumpectomy- I did develop a seroma and 4 months in its still there. I dont think my doctor suggested needle aspiration because I also came down with mastitis which was terribly painful and had to go on a course of antibiotics for 3 weeks.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Susan! Thank you for your lovely feedback! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@inestuveri694]

Have you had one that is the fat from the implant melting and coming out as liquid? The surgeon who done my diep reconstruction called it seroma. The oncologist said is the fat that ces from my own belly that did not get blood supply and that also melts with the radiotherapy. Have you heard of this happening before? Thank you

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Ines, sorry I have not heard of that happening before. That is definitely one to be discussed and managed by your Plastic Surgeon. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Jen

[@yvettelara2026]

I had my double mastectomy on May 31, 2022 and developed a seroma infection in August 2022. I had a needle aspiration with breast expander removed. I was having a low grade fever and right breast was completely swollen. Hospital stay was 5 days

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Sorry to hear about your experience Yvette. This is a horrible on top of everything else you've had to go through. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@dheerajkumar-df1pf]

Thanks Jen for this video. It is very informative. My mother got mastectomy and lymph node dissection 4 months back. In the recent PET- Scan , it was found that 4cm*4cm*4cm. Seroma was formed in left chest/axilla area. Currently, My mother doesn't feel much painful about this. But she can feel the sense of something at the location. Due to this condition, Could you please advise whether the hand exercises can be performed or not , also can you please throw some light on when this condition of Seroma formation could go away. Thanks much.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Dheeraj, thanks for watching and commenting. Which hand exercises are you referring to? Large seromas sometimes do not go away - rather, they can be aspirated (drained by a needle). This should be performed by a Radiologist or Surgeon. Jen

[@muggas1530]

Thank you for explaining this!

[@laurafisherreads]

06:22 Maybe I missed something but I don't think you explained why a seroma in the axilla puts you at increased risk of lymphoedema. And do you mean in the short or long term? Also, should a large axillary seroma be aspirated to reduce the risk of lymphoedema?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Laura, thanks so much for your comment. My apologies if I missed explaining the link between axillary seromas and lymphoedema risk. I suspect an axillary seroma is potentially going to put mechanical pressure on lymphatic vessels and / or cause lymphatic blockage, particularly in relation to lymph fluid draining from the upper limb (which of course drains to the axilla). Does that make sense? Jen

[@queenrobinson.]

Great video!!! Very informative 👏🏾 this will be the same as when you do a breast lift with augmentation correct?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hello! Thank you for your positive feedback. It is possible a lift and augmentation may cause a seroma but this is not my area of expertise so best to discuss with a Plastic Surgeon. Jen :)

[@Ika3440]

Your video was very informative. I had a needle aspiration a lot of fluid was removed but a week after it filled up with even more. I am a nine year cancer survivor what should I do?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Monica, when did the seroma form? Only asking because my advice will depend on the age of the seroma you're referring to.

[@Ika3440]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio The seroma was form within the year after the surgery it started very small and became larger after some time, so it's about 9 yrs now.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks Monica. So if the seroma is the same from 9 years ago it has most likely become scar tissue. However, possibly best to get an ultrasound performed to assess it. Unfortunately seromas that have become scar tissue can't be drained (aspirated). Sometimes surgery is required to remove them if they are symptomatic. I hope this helps but I would discuss this with your GP. Jen

[@trevadenas3121]

well, my tram flap surgery for breast reconstruction was done in 2018 - this is 2024 - I now have mestatic breast cancer and per an recent ultrasound, I STILL have a 3" seroma. Go figure!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear this. Seromas can certainly be very difficult to manage. I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@Nosillacincy73]

I would like more information for having surgery to have my seroma removed and the fact it can come back frequently. Also how they put a medvac in.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I'm so sorry for my delayed reply to your message. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@merlynjohnson4223]

After breast reduction too. Am experiencing it

[@munniap4491]

Hi, I have undergone lumpectomy recently as they detected DCIS low grade after examining my bloody nipple discharge. It’s a 4mm tissue and some margin around it. They found multiple focal cells that are causing cancer with 0.6mm in the tissue. Now it’s been 6 weeks after the surgery and started taking radiation. Exactly after 3 sittings of radiation I saw a drop of blood stain on my nipple. When I have shown to my doc, she pressed the nipple and the blood keeps coming out. I’m concerned seeing that. It’s purely blood but not any fluid as such. They asked me to undergo MRI and ultrasound tests. Could you explain what are the possibilities in this case for the blood discharge again? Thanks.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I'm sorry but I'm unable to comment on your symptoms as this is a medical question. You will need to speak with your Medical Professionals about this symptom. Jen

[@NoName-eo3kl]

Hello there. Does a seroma appear different on ultra sound than a fluid filled cyst? I recently had a "cyst" aspirated (two weeks ago). The aspirated fluid was not sent to lab as the radiologist indicated it looked normal as far as cyst fluid goes. Two weeks later I now have another mass that is comparable to the first "cyst" at approximately 5 cm. Is the fluid similar in both cases?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, sorry for my delayed reply. From my knowledge, a cyst and a seroma are typically two different issues. A seroma is common following surgery or trauma to an area, whereas a cyst can occur naturally. I would confirm this information with your Breast Surgeon or a Radiologist. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@bladefan6328]

Do you have any experience with a seroma reoccurring? I had a seroma develop after lumpectomy and lymph node dissection, and it was drained three times but kept refilling. So they put a drain in which I had for two weeks while I had five sclerotherapy treatments. Finally the fluid stopped producing and they took out the drain and four days later I appear to have a new pocket of fluid in the same spot. It’s much smaller now but the doctors don’t seem to understand or be able to give me any information about it. The IR Doctor said that they don’t really understand what seromas are or why they form or really even how the lymphatic system works…

[@bladefan6328]

Additionally I now have signs that I am developing cording in that armpit. I watched your video about the exercises which I’m going to try to do as there is no PT available for two weeks, and I need to start radiation next week…

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Blade, I am so sorry for my very delayed reply. I've only just seen your comments. Have you still got ongoing issues with the seroma? And have your surgeons offered any further treatment options? Jen

[@do9138]

I had a lumpectomy in my right breast almost a month ago. There were no drains. The incision is STILL weeping. The surgeon says it's a seroma. Fine. How long is my boob going to bleed? How long until I can at least sleep on my left side again -- the side where I didn't have surgery? The surgeon is having me shower twice a day and express the fluid out of the boob after each shower. Isn't there a risk of infection from having a wound that is re-opened twice a day? I don't want the needle aspiration since the seroma is VERY small and not very painful. It isn't red, and I haven't run a temperature. I just want to stop ruining bras, and I want to be able to sleep on my side.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I'm sorry but the questions you're asking need to be directed to your Medical Professionals. If they are not answering your questions comprehensively enough then I would seek a second opinion. Your Medical Team should be able to answer all of the questions you have asked. Sorry I can't be of more help with this. Jen

[@janicepaige579]

I've been having a seroma aspirated every week for the last 6 months and three weeks ago had an operation to wash out the site hoping this would encourage it to heal properly. Sadly the serum is still being produced and I'm feeling hopeless and defeated! Is there any other treatment? Can a physio and massage help

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Janice, have they offered a pigtail drain? Physio and Massage does not tend to help persistent seromas. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@sunitareyes7190]

I had mastectomy 7/9 and then seroma came about and also had another surgery to wash out the area and still dealing with increased fluid but I have one drain left. They have me on antibiotics and that in itself has side effects. I'm so frustrated. The waiting to see if it will go down only to be disappointed is agonizing

[@deanjones168]

My seroma did not appear until 2 months after radiotherapy

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you for your feedback Dean. Yes some seromas are slow to build up. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@lillisachannel]

HI, I came across this video as I am trying to find out some information. I had a lumpectomy just over two weeks ago, all healing very well, no drains put in (was only a single 18mm tumour), with sentinel lymph node removal at the same time. I have been keeping an eye on my armpit for seroma, but it has been okay (bit of swelling that went back down). I had my post-op meeting with the surgeon this morning and he took off my armpit dressings and said they aren't needed now, all good. He then suddenly drained a seroma from my breast that I had no idea was there. He didn't give me any cause for concern, told me it was totally normal, no warning to keep an eye etc. just matter of fact, drained it, dressed it and told me to remove the dressing after a couple of days. The difficulty comes as I live in France and my French is not fluent so a friend was translating, so I didn't ask at the time. But now I am home and looking up Seromas I am more concerned that it could return. I have had no pain, no weeping, the incisions are all good and stitches were removed today. Do you think I need to go back and ask questions, or can I take it that he has no concerns so I shouldn't either? For info I only have radiotherapy follow up, not chemo, so I do still have medical attention to come. I am just a bit confused. Thanks

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I would monitor the area where the seroma was drained from the breast. If you notice any changes in this area - particularly more swelling. I would head back to the Surgeon. A lot of small seromas will reabsorb, or, if drained with a needle don't return. So unless there are changes or new symptoms such as pain, I wouldn't think you need to return to your Surgeon. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@cynthialesser2986]

Wow I never knew ❤

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Cynthia, thank you for your lovely feedback! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@tara281]

Do you recommend compression garments or wrapping of the seroma ? My surgeon left it up to me, but wrapping with an ace bandage seems to help. But I’m 2.5 weeks out of a DMX and still have a lot of liquid pooling.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Tara, sorry for my slow reply. I've tried compressing seromas before but not with much benefit unfortunately. It seems to be that fine needle aspiration is the best treatment for large or stubborn seromas. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@333Starseed]

I feel the compression bandage added to the blockage and stricture I may have now 5 wks out. I'm short wasted and the top of the wide bandage hit right at crease of arm to underarm. I feel paying attention to the measurement and not one size fits all may avoid problems. ? Seroma but definitely stricture mild massage and gentle PT stretches helping

[@deanjones168]

I had an lumpectomy in March and yesterday had a seroma drained I also have an infection

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Infected seromas are not pleasant. I hope you've recovered now Dean.

[@GIGI06408]

I had surgery to remove what I was told was fat narcosis I was healing very well then my boob became red and angry I was giving antibiotics for an infection which I have taken for a week still very red angry and bruised looking I now think it could be a sarcoma as it’s very heard. I’m waiting for a scan date but will hopefully just have on tomorrow at my appointment. Thank you so much.

[@ilovesoutherngospel]

Now with hot weather my seroma swells and hurts to a painful point. I had breast cancer lumpectomy x2 in the same breast. My body has never absorbed. It’s been 15 years! When will it get better?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, unfortunately if your treatment was 15 years ago the seroma is likely to now be scar tissue - rather than fluid. If you are still experiencing pain / other symptoms with the seroma I would be discussing this with your Medical Team. If you have already done this and have not had any options provided please reach out to me via email: [e-mail] I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@joannamaz8246]

Can seroma form like a shape of a golf ball 3 weeks after a lumpectomy?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Joanna, it can but to confirm this is a seroma best to get an ultrasound done. Your doctor will need to refer you for an ultrasound. Jen

[@joannamaz8246]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you!

[@kimmonks116]

Anyone had experience of lot of blood from one nipple as a seroma/hemotoma communicates with a duct? I've had dark blood drained by aspiration and sent to a lab...any thoughts appreciated, my lump outer quadrant right breast now gone too..🙂🤔

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Kim, apologies for my delayed reply. I have a patient where this occurred. If you haven't already I would make sure your Medical Team are aware of this. I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@FG-xc5qj]

Is it fine to continue getting radiation with a leaking seroma?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hello and apologies for my slow reply. Check with your Radiation Team. My only concern is risk of infection if the seroma is leaking. Jen

[@paolamendoza7319]

Hello, how many times will I have to get my seroma drain? I already had it drained once and by the next morning was already back. Thanks

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Paola, sorry for my slow reply. Some people need multiple aspirations (drainages) before the seroma will settle down. Multiple aspirations is not abnormal. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@farmlifewithrenee]

9 months post op Lumpectomy surgery. I have a lump that hurts I talked to my surgeon they told me it was a seroma but why is it so painful?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, so sorry for my delayed reply. Assuming the lump has been diagnosed via ultrasound scan as a seroma, a seroma can be painful because the fluid in the seroma is creating mechanical pressure on the tissue around it which can cause pain. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@jayneteske1963]

I went to the link, but it's not obvious to me about how to join.

[@shannonholmes6674]

JEN IS IT NORMAL FOR A SEROMA TO STILL BE CLEARLY THERE IN AN ULTRASOUND A YEAR AFTER SURGERY ?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Shannon, yes that can occur. Some seromas take a very long time to resolve but over time generally turn into scar tissue. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@ninaheart1668]

I had to have the fluid drained 3 times .

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Nina, seromas can be very frustrating and multiple aspirations are part of that. Has it resolved after the 3 drains? Jen

[@ninaheart1668]

Yes it's much better now thanks. It's a pity I was not made aware of this before my operation

[@spooh75]

Thanks Nina this is giving me hope. I had a lumpectomy that came back all benign and two weeks later I have a constantly growing lemon shaped lump growing. I revisited my Dr today and he said it's a seroma that can be drained but may refill. I agree that the risk of this should have been shared. I would have probably contacted my Dr sooner knowing what it could have been rather than waiting worrying about what it might be.

[@paolamendoza7319]

How often were the drains? Thanks

[@luiseliluis9946]

How far out of surgery you can develop a seroma? How long should the drains be in? I know everyone is different but it should be under 30 ml a day right? I still have another SMX ahead and it's just so scary 😢. I am still worrying about my right side.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Luise, some seromas can appear to develop weeks following surgery, but I also suspect they may have been present but undetected since surgery. Check with your Medical Team as to when your drains are to be removed based on how many mls per day are draining. You're not alone. It's a very overwhelming phase. You will get through this. Jen xx

[@luiseliluis9946]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio are you able to notice a seroma? Are you always able to see it from the outside? I am very active and started physical work because I don't want to get even more restricted in daily life. Thanks for your videos.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Luise, it is not always possible to detect a seroma visually. Sometimes you need an ultrasound scan to diagnose them. If you're not sure whether you have a seroma or not, see your GP or Medical Team to get a referral for an ultrasound. Jen