Hi there
It's now a little over a month since I had my lumpectomy. Unfortunately I had a hematoma that built up and burst a couple of weeks ago - this was treated and all ok. But now I am still having some leakage of yellowish fluid from the wound site. Is this normal? It obviously isn't blood. It doesn't smell and I don't have a fever or anything so I don't believe it is infected. Also, up until this week I was on antibiotics. Is this normal?
Thanks!
Hi Myrtlegirl
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome back to the online community.
It sounds like you are recovering from your lumpectomy other than the issue with the haematoma. It’s not uncommon for blood to collect around the wound site causing swelling and pain, and sometimes a large haematoma requires draining - or if it bursts, antibiotics are sometimes needed to prevent an infection. I can imagine that must have been a worrying experience for you.
However, you describe the leak as a clear fluid, and I wonder if it’s serous fluid which is typically pale yellow or transparent. It’s not unusual after there has been some trauma to tissue (think blisters) for serous fluid to be present – that’s a normal response.
I am glad that it isn’t painful or hot and the fluid isn’t offensive smelling, however, I would advise that you let your breast care nurse know. Usually the leak resolves by itself but occasionally a collection of serous fluid can build up (a seroma) which may need draining. If your breast care team is aware, they may want to check on how your wound is healing.
I hope you find this information helpful.
I see that you have joined a couple of our breast cancer forums, I am sure you will get great support from the community there. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there is anything else we can support you with.
Best wishes,
Helen. Cancer Information Nurse.
