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I have had one in my armpit within days of my surgery five months ago. It was aspirated three times by December and then radiation started. I’m about a month out from radiation and it’s still there. It’s just much firmer feeling now. There’s some swelling, around my inner arm, near my forearm and inner elbow. I can’t stretch my arm completely out without pain, sometimes shoots out towards my wrist when I reach too far. My armpit has a lot of pressure and soreness from the seroma . My cancer… read more

March 25
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A MyBCTeam Member

So glad your team is looking after you so well! I hope the break from tamoxifen helps!

March 28
A MyBCTeam Member

No, I haven't had to deal with that- but did want to wish you all the best with tomorrow's appt! Is it time to consider a second opinion on this stubborn seroma?
Hugs!

March 25
MyBCTeam

Have you dealt with a persistent seroma after breast cancer surgery, and what treatments helped when aspiration didn't work?

You're definitely not alone in dealing with a stubborn seroma. A MyBCTeam member shared a similar experience: "They put a drain back in mine for my second mastectomy since the surgeon drained it Show Full Answer

Have you dealt with a persistent seroma after breast cancer surgery, and what treatments helped when aspiration didn't work?

You're definitely not alone in dealing with a stubborn seroma. A MyBCTeam member shared a similar experience: "They put a drain back in mine for my second mastectomy since the surgeon drained it twice and it built back up again."

Another member noted, "I had mine drained three times. I still have some fluid. They told me it could take a year for it to all get absorbed back into the tissues."

Treatment options beyond aspiration include:

- Reinserting drainage tubes if the seroma keeps refilling after aspiration attempts
- Sclerotherapy, where a chemical is injected into the seroma space to irritate the tissue, causing scarring that helps seal the space and prevent fluid buildup
- Surgical removal to drain all fluid and prevent recurrence

The firmness you're feeling and the shooting pain down your arm are important symptoms to discuss with your surgeon. The pain extending to your wrist when you stretch could be related to nerve involvement or possibly axillary web syndrome (scar tissue limiting movement).

It's good you have an appointment tomorrow. Your surgeon can evaluate whether the firmness indicates the seroma is resolving or if additional intervention like sclerotherapy or surgery is needed.

March 25
A MyBCTeam Member

My surgeon referred me to OT, as she thinks I may be developing frozen shoulder. It’s too soon after radiation to try aspirating the seroma again so she wants to continue to wait on that. She said it’s a slow process but it still could absorb up to a year after radiation. She was very concerned about my mood on tamoxifen so I was seen by my medical oncologist as well who has instructed me to pause for at least a month on the tamoxifen. Thank you for checking in on me!!

March 28
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Tara, just checking back to see how yesterday's appt went- Hopefully, they have some ideas about the seroma? Hugs!

March 27

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