4 year breast serima

I also have a very large 4 year post lumpectomy seroma that has recently become very painful. I had 4 nodes removed, 27 days of difficult radiation as I developed cellutitus anf was very burned. Sonogram after ordered sonogram exposes this large seroma. Doctors state that it is problematic. After more exercise of late I believe one of the borders gave way and I am in pain. There seems to be little to no protocol. I am told this is a rare occurence and yet am reading it is apparently NOT. Surgeons do not seem to know what to do with "it"! They have watched it for 4 years and no action! Am seeing another Oncologist which will lead to another breast surgeon. Has anyone had any success with a similar situation? Breast, side, back pain intense. Arm issues starting again. Why is there nobptoyocol for this???



This discussion is related to ultrasound  report clarification.

[japdip]

There is protocol for seromas and it isn't to wait 4 years !!! This shoul have been taken care of approx. 3 yrs., 8 or 9 months ago. This seroma could easily have been drained by one of two methods. 1) .. drained with a needle which was NOT recommended by my Surgeon due to the risk of infection with several drainings. 2) .. re-insertion of a drain under local anesthesia in the OR and left until the drainage was a very small amout and the tissues had "stuck" so that there was no vacant space for the fluid to collect. I truly hope that your new Oncologist and Surgeon will take some immediate action to relieve your situation. Kindest regards .....

[Capecodder21]

Thank you!!! It is very large and every surgeon I saw (except one radiologist) said it was so large that if it had not healed, draing not an option due to high risk of infection on a radiated breast!! The pain down my side is just bearable. Thank you for your support. Is there another way to chat with you? I am amazed that women suffer with this. Seromas seem to return. Can't the fill the area with something?
Thanks. In pain in Cape Cod.  

[japdip]

I sent a Private Message earlier with instructions as to how we may communicate in addition to here on the Community.
You mentioned filling the area ... well it is filled with the sac of fluid and that's the problem. It needs to be empty so the tissues can be in contact "stuck" so there is no void for the fluid to accumulate. As I mentioned before; drainage with a needle is not the best method due to the risk of infection because it would have be done several times. The insertion of a drain in the OR would be the preferred method ..... of course this should have been taken care of BEFOR radiation as this does impair healing.    Regards ....

[Capecodder21]

I always pointed out to every breast surgeon I saw. They all knew the size, some stating it was the largest one they had seen!! Not one wanted to deal with it because they were Not the original surgeon. I had my surgery done in Florida and moved to Northeast. Every mammo painful and every time radiologist ordered sonogram to measure. Four years and no surgeon gives me any hope
it has been over 1 1/2 years and now serona more problematic. New hospital.  New oncologist. I pray someone will lead me to a breast surgeon who actually can do something about it other than to frighten me with stories of the risk of touching it and infection. I will go prepared to my next appt in less than 2 weeks. If anyone has further ideas of how to present this. I have been dismissed by surgeon who just say "live with it or maybe it will still close. " Thanks to all who care enough to support one another. This a special club that no one really wants to join, but once diagnosed...The sisterhood is truly amazing!!!