Other possible concerns after surgery

What is a seroma?

You may get a pouch of body fluid under or around where you had surgery after your drain has been removed.
This pouch of fluid is caused by continued drainage into the surgical site. This is called a seroma.
A seroma is common and is not an emergency.
Many surgeons feel that a seroma may help to make the wound look better during healing because it gently stretches the scar tissue around the surgical area.
If you think you have developed a seroma and you are concerned, call the Breast Site Nursing Team at 416-480-5000.

Axillary web syndrome can be caused by having your lymph nodes removed.
It looks like a tight cord (similar to a guitar string) that appears in the armpit and may be felt or seen all the way down your arm into your elbow or hand.
It may cause tightness and make it more difficult to raise your arm up.
It can develop as early as one week after surgery.
It is not an emergency.
Doing your arm exercises and stretching will help it go away.
Your occupational therapist or physiotherapist will look for cording at your follow-up appointment.

Lymphedema is swelling caused by fluid collecting in your arm and your chest.
The type of swelling that occurs with lymphedema is different than a seroma or the swelling that might happen right after surgery.
Lymphedema can develop weeks, months, or years following your surgery.
Lymphedema is manageable but should be reported to the Breast Site Nursing Team as soon as possible.
Most patients do not develop lymphedema but it is important to be aware that having lymph nodes removed may increase your risk.
The chance of lymphedema after an axillary node dissection is 15 percent. The chance of lymphedema after a sentinel node biopsy is 1 to 2 percent.

Feelings of heaviness, aching or tingling in the chest or arm on the side you had surgery.
Feelings of tightness in clothing, jewelry and watches.
A feeling of heat.
Visible swelling.

Let your health team know if you develop swelling that does not go away.
Maintain a heathy weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing lymphedema.
Try to avoid bloodwork (or blood being withdrawn) on the side you had surgery.
Protect your skin on the side you had surgery. Apply antibiotic cream to cuts, scratches and insect bites.

There is a free weekly lymphedema education session for patient and families.
The session is held every Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and is located at the Patient Education and Research Learning Centre (PEARL) in the Odette Cancer Centre on the 1st floor beside the main Reception Desk.
Please call 416-480-4534 for more information about the class and to register.