Post surgical lumpectomy

[Carol in Pittsburgh]

I had a lumpectomy three weeks ago and my breast is still swollen, hard and tender. I do not have a fever. Is this normal?  How long does it take for these symptoms for go away?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Carol in Pittsburgh:  Surgery causes trauma to the tissue and there can be many possible variations to the healing process, including hematoma, excess fluid buildup and infection, to name a few.  Some of these will resolve on their own, in time.  Others, infection, for example, may require intervention.  You should let your surgeon know what is happening.  He/she will be better equipped to make a diagnosis and appropriate recommendations.

[surgeon]

It's very common for a lumpectomy site to become swollen and hard. It often gets quite black and blue, as well. Usually the hardness is at its worst around 3 or 4 weeks, and can take a few months to soften up. But, since it can't be seen by an online answer, it wouldn't hurt to let your surgeon know what's going on.