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​Seroma ​- what is it? What can you do about it?

Its a buid up of fluid produced by your body after you have had surgery.​​

So you’ve had surgery possibley:

  • lumpectomy
  • mastectomy
  • removal of lymph nodes

And it feels like you have a big swollen balloon of fluid under your skin.

This is a seroma and they normally raise their bulbous head about a week after surgery or once the drain has been removed. They are not anything to worry about but do feel weird or at best uncomfortable.

Your nurse can drain it if it doesn’t get reabsorbed by itself

Although it sounds horrendous they literally syringe out the fluid. It looks like a pint of Newcastle brown and it will shock you how much comes out .

Its nothing to worry about but keep an eye out for;

  • Redness or it feels tender or warm. This could be a sign of infection.
  • It feels really uncomfortable and puts pressure on the wound.
  • The area really blows up and swells this could be a sign of the beginning of a lymphedema.

Don’t worry I’ve got one of these and they can mange it well ( see my other fact sheet.)



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If you think you have lymphedema go and see your breast cancer nurse/ doctor. Mine is called Sue and is brilliant.

She gave me a series of exercises to help the flow of the lymph fluid. She also gave me massages which you do on yourself. You don’t have to press hard as the lymph nodes are just below the skin. The only downside is they are mind-numbingly dull.

I also got given a sleeve and glove. In typical NHS style, they are American tan and can not be described as cool. I have however seen sites where you can buy funky sleeves which look like tattoos. As Sue said ‘just make sure you ge the right size.’

Cellulitis

I have had this twice. You are going to be susceptible to it and you must watch out for it. It's an infection under the skin. For me, my arm got hot and looked like I had held it over a candle. A quick visit to the GP soon put me on a course of antibiotics which clear it up.

Prevention however is better than cure.

If you have lymph node removal any cut is more likely to get infected so try and avoid the following.

  • Keep your skin clean and moisturised
  • Take blood and injection in the other arm.
  • If possible, have blood drawn, injections, IVs, and vaccinations given in your unaffected arm.
  • It’s a tough one but avoid professional manicures
  • If you cut yourself wash and clean the area as soon as possible
  • Avoid insect bites (see my fact sheet)
  • Wear gloves when washing up or gardening
  • Wear oven mitts

I know I'm stating the obvious!

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