Learning Objectives
➤ Describe potential complications that can occur after surgery.
2.5.1 Seroma
A seroma is when a pocket of fluid collects underneath your skin (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). This condition is relatively common and can occur with or without an incision drain. The seroma will likely disappear within a few weeks. However, your healthcare provider can drain the seroma if there is lots of fluid, it does not go away on its own, or it gets infected.
2.5.2 Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling in your arms or chest caused by lymph fluid buildup (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). This condition occurs when lymph nodes are functioning poorly due to removal or damage caused by radiation or cancer. It can happen from soon after treatment to months or years later. One early sign of lymphedema is swelling that is not decreasing.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can be easier to manage if caught early (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). Advanced lymphedema causes changes to your tissue that are irreversible.
See Chapter 4 for more details on lymphedema and how to treat it.
2.5.3 Blood Clots
A blood clot is a small clump of blood that can develop in your legs or sometimes your lungs (Cancer Research UK, 2020). To prevent blood clots, start moving as soon as possible after surgery.
Go to the emergency department immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- leg pain, redness, swelling, or warmth,
- shortness of breath,
- chest or upper back pain,
- and blood when coughing (Cancer Research UK, 2020).
2.5.4 Incision Site Infection
An infection at your incision site can present with the following symptoms:
- redness or swelling,
- unusual warmth,
- increased pain,
- fever,
- and discharge or pus (Cancer Research UK, 2020).
If you have a drain, you might have an infection if the drainage fluid is green or has a foul odour (Boudarra et al., 2020)
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you believe your incision site is infected.
2.5.5 Pain Relief
Breast cancer can be painful, but pain management is possible, with or without drugs (Canadian Breast Cancer Network [CBCN], 2022). Common reasons for persistent pain include nerve damage, swelling, certain chemotherapy medications, and cancer spreading to certain sensitive parts of the body (e.g., bones).
Methods to decrease pain include western medical treatments, such as medications, and complementary and alternative medicine (CBCN, 2022). Choose the method that works best for you.
If you are concerned about the side effects of pain medications, make sure to talk to your healthcare team to find the appropriate options for you.
