Question 1

i had a lumpectomy. what are the symptoms of seroma?

Accepted Answer

Postop Breast Lump: A  seroma is a fluid collection that (always) develops in open cavities after surgery.  In time, your body will replace this fluid with scar tissue. Rarely, the fluid will persist and require needle aspiration, sometimes repeatedly.  After a lumpectomy, a seroma will feel like a persistent breast lump. If this persists months later and is causing discomfort, aspiration is indicated.

Question 2

i had a lumpectomy. can i ask what the symptoms of seroma are?

Accepted Answer

Fullness, drainage: Seromas are fairly common after lumpectomy, should be distinguished from a hematoma (blood clot).  Both can present with fullness (and discomfort) in the area of the surgery and drainage, although hematomas tend to drain bloody fluid and present earlier than serums.  Treatment generally includes repeated aspirations in the office until the seroma resolves.  If it is red, abscess if possible also.

Question 3

i had a lumpectomy 4 yrs ago & developed a seroma after surgery & have had to have the fluid removed every year since.  why is this lasting so long?

Accepted Answer

Since the exact: cause of seroma formation is unknown , it is difficult to be able to reassure you as to how long fluid will have to be withdrown. There are a number of possible treatments with varying reports of success. 
Consult with an experienced Breast Surgeon for advice!
Hope this helps...wish it could be better "news"
Dr Z

Question 4

i had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy in august. i have had severe pain for a week now in that area. could it be a seroma?

Accepted Answer

Seroma : Pain in your biopsy area 2 months later is likely a seroma. You should alert your surgeon so she/he can order an ultrasound and possible drainage. Monitor the area for redness, warmth, or increasing tenderness. Wear a supportive bra in the meantime (mainly for comfort).

Question 5

exercise after a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Prevent recurrence: There's growing evidence that exercise, weight loss and even fasting can increase cure rates and help in primary and secondary (recurrence) prevention of breast cancer. Check with your doctor.

Question 6

when should women have a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Wideexcisionofcancer: All  masses/ calcifications on physical exam or on mammogram should be biopsied using  minimally invasive techniques -needles  -aspiration or core) . If it  needs to be  totally excised the word is excisional biopsy ---- lumpectomy is the same-- reserved for the same procedure involving cancers --( i know a play on words) but implies removal of the mass and margins.

Question 7

what is involved with a  lumpectomy ?

Accepted Answer

Removal of tissue: Lumpectomy is an excisional biopsy - removal of breast tissue-usually implying a breast cancer is involved and need to check margins. The site may be palpable or found by xray and needle localization - or by ultrasound. The tissue is then sent to pathology for examination and margin assestment.

Question 8

what is normal recovery for a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

"Days": Most women who undergo a lumpectomy may return to work in 2-3 days and be back to normal activities in a week (provided that was the only operation performed).  The true "expert" to answer this question would be your surgeon since they may be aware of some nuances about you or your operation that may affect your recovery.  Good luck!

Question 9

what is the definition or description of: lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

Excisional biopsy: Lumpectomy is an excisional biopsy  usually used when applied to removing a breast tumor or cancer -  just an easier word to say than----partial mastectomy ---that is the billing coding term used for the same   but that would confuse and scare patients.  But as it applies to the surgeon - the   key is the margins are addressed  for  cancer involvement and  must be negative.

Question 10

is lumpectomy surgery dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No : Although, no surgery should be considered trivial - lumpectomy typically takes only 30 - 45 minutes, and may be done under local anesthesia with sedation if the patient's condition warrants it or the patient desires it.  Complications are unusual - things like wound infection or bleeding into the lumpectomy site.

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Doctor answers about:

Seroma after lumpectomy

A member asked:

I had a lumpectomy. what are the symptoms of seroma?

A member asked:

I had a lumpectomy. can i ask what the symptoms of seroma are?

A member asked:

I had a lumpectomy 4 yrs ago & developed a seroma after surgery & have had to have the fluid removed every year since. why is this lasting so long?

A member asked:

I had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy in august. i have had severe pain for a week now in that area. could it be a seroma?

A member asked:

Exercise after a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

When should women have a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

What is involved with a lumpectomy ?

A member asked:

What is normal recovery for a lumpectomy?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: lumpectomy?

A member asked:

Is lumpectomy surgery dangerous?

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