Lump under arm after mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy

Hi Daisy03 welcome to the forum. I am so glad that at least you mum has had her surgery and seems to be recovering well.

This sounds like it could be a Seroma, which is a collection of blood and may need to be drained at the hospital, or sometimes they leave them to disperse themselves. It might be worth giving the Breast Cancer Nurse, where your mum had her surgery a call, to ask them to have a look at this for your mum.

Thank you so much. Do you know how seroma Feels like? This feels like a egg shape. And according to mum it’s been there since the operation.

I’m really worried that it can be a tumour so I am in panic mode. I called the BC nurse but she said it may be scar tissue. Mums got her appointment next Tuesday so I don’t know if I should wait for them to examine then? Not sure what else I can do.

it’s not painful either are seromas normally painful ?  

Good morning Daizy03  I have had a seroma after my lumpectomy and auxiliary node clearance.  I did not hurt but I was aware of it.  The consultant said that if it had not dispersed on its own he would drain it when he had to perform a second operation to remove additional cancer cells at the margin.  Miraculously it went without being drained.  It did take about three to four weeks. If your Mum has an appointment next Tuesday I am sure that they will take care of it.  A seroma occurs because when lymph nodes are removed the fluid may collect. It is so good that your Mum is over the operation and on the road to hopefully complete recovery.  I have a lovely daughter too who has been so kind, like you are and has given me such support.  I know it is really difficult not to feel anxious at this time but hopefully the worst is over for your Mum.  Take care and I send good wishes to you and your Mum.

I had a mastectomy  in June and axillary  node clearance  3 weeks ago.  The clearance has given me more problems  than the mastectomy as since it was done there's been seeing all around the area .  It's getting more swollen not less and I'm now wondering  whether to go back for a check.  I have to go in 2 weeks for my oncotype results but not sure whether to wait that long.

Two weeks is quite a long time and if it is getting worse I think that I would see if I could get it checked sooner.  I was not expecting the auxiliary node clearance and from what I have read it does have quite a few side effects.  Two nodes out of 14 were positive. I have been trying to get back to normal but a retired GP that I am friendly with has warned me not to carry things using that arm and to be aware that a condition called lymphoma can develop which is quite serious.  One also has to be careful of injuries to that arm as they lymph nodes are no longer available to filter out bacteria etc.  I have carried on with the exercises as I think that they are really important.  Good luck with it and I hope that you can get someone to look at it soon.  All the best

Good morning thank you so much for your kind wishes. 
relieving to know you have had a positive outcome. Hopefully my mum will too. Was yours near the upper quadrant of the chest- just near the armpit but not directly under? My mum also doesn’t have any pain, but she’s aware of it and feels like a big cyst. Doesn’t feel so much like fluid but I guess they are alL different. Never felt Tuesday so long away from Saturday! 
im just worried incase it’s tumour and it’s been missed but I think this is very unlikely. I’m just such a worrier and it doesn’t help

I’m so sorry that your going through a hard time. 
I think two weeks is probably quite long, especially if it’s getting more swollen. I think I would go 

Sorry thirds, just wanted to ask if you did have further surgery as planned? And whether you had other treatment like chemo or radiotherapy. Did they realise margins was not clear when you went for the results ?

I had my lumpectomy and (to my surprise) a full clearance of the auxiliary nodes (2 our of 14 were positive) on 21st June.  When the results came back it was noticed that there were a few cancerous cells at the margin so i had to wait until the 26th July for my second operation.  All my cancerous cells that they are aware of are out now. I am going to see the oncologist next week to find out if more treatment such as chemo or radiotherapy is needed.

I do understand your acute concern and worry about your Mum.  I doubt that the lump will be a tumour.  It could be a haematoma which is a collection of blood rather than lymph fluid.  The seroma was quite solid feeling when it first appeared and I was aware of it but it never caused any pain.  It started quite small but got bigger then slowly went away.  I have been very diligent about doing the exercises as they are important and got easier as time has gone on.  Also if I have to have any further treatment I will have to raise my arms above my head and I need to be able to do this without pain or discomfort.

I know it is easy to say, but try not to be too anxious over the weekend and perhaps find something nice for you and your Mum to do together.  Are you allowed to go with her on Tuesday?  Hopefully all the cancer is gone now and she is on the road to recovery.  Cancer treatment has improved so much and fortunately continues to do so.  My surgeon was adamant that I needed to keep positive as he says that it is his experience that this helps recovery. All the best for your Mum on Tuesday.  Sending you both a virtual hug.  Take care.

Thanks.  It's an hour each way to hospital  but I'm considering  it.