Post mastectomy seroma refilling, paused radiotherapy - anyone else experienced?

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Hi - i have had chemotherapy, mastectomy and now half way through radiotherapy.

After mastectomy I developed a seroma which was drained before starting radiotherapy.

It has refilled during radiotherapy meaning I have had to stop and be rescanned and now

waiting for restart date. Would be pleased to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience

and is it likely to be an ongoing issue (seroma refilling)

  • Hi   I'm one of the champions here in this group and I noticed your post hasn't had any replies yet, the site is busy and it's dropped down after few pages. My reply will bump it back to the top and hopefully someone with the right experience will be along soon.

    My own radiotherapy was delayed due to a seroma, but I didn't have it drained and it reduced by itself thankfully, so I can imagine your situation would be even more frustrating.  You might ask your medical team if there is anything you can do to reduce the risk of the seroma coming back or to help it reduce more quickly.  I hope you get restarted again soon, best wishes 

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  • I still have a seroma post 3 years surgery 

    had it drained once , but happy to live with it, as not a problem with it myself 

    radiographer and surgeon said it won’t go away or be absorbed , it doesn’t bother me 

    if that helps at all ? 
    im 62 years young 

  • Hi Lizbella

    I cannot advise whether the filling of the seroma will be an on going issue but in my experience that you will get to complete your radiotherapy but may have a longer route

    I had a similar situation where I also had a seroma after a right breast lumpectomy which was drained 3 times.  My surgeon was reluctant to drain more as he feared infection.  I started radiotherapy (15 fractions).  The difference is that I managed to get to day 4 but by the evening my seroma had burst and this paused my radiotherapy.  I think that this is unusual.  It all happened in February 2025.

    I recommenced radiotherapy this week (4 months later ) and am again on day 4.  My skin is looking good and the wound appears fine.  I am looking forward to finishing radiotherapy on the 16 June 2025.

    Take Care.

     

  • Thanks for the reply - like you I think I will need to live with it

    All the best

  • Thanks - I finally finished my radiotherapy but the seroma has refilled - think it may have to remain part of me!

    All the best