Lumpectomy
What happens later at home?
The woman may need to periodically empty a reservoir attached to the drains. Care must be taken to keep all items clean to prevent infection. Proper hand-washing is very important before and after emptying the drains or changing dressings. The color and amount of drainage should be noted and reported to the surgeon.
Pain medications are given, but the pain usually is not severe. The surgeon will let the woman know what activities are allowed in the first few days after surgery.
After recovering from lumpectomy, most women undergo radiation therapy for the breast cancer. Women may have chemotherapy if the lab report shows that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Many women feel sad or depressed after a lumpectomy. They may have concerns about body image and sexuality. Any diagnosis of cancer brings with it the fear of death. A healthcare provider can provide support with these issues and can recommend other resources for support.
What are the potential complications after the procedure?
Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia. Other complications of mastectomy include the following:
Fluid can accumulate under the skin flaps if the drains are not being emptied often enough, or if they become plugged.
Cell death of the skin edges of the incision is uncommon, but it may occur if the skin flaps are very thin or if there is tension at the incision site.
Numbness along the skin in the underarm area and upper arm is caused by damage to the nerves that travel through the area of the lymph nodes removed during surgery. Although it might take some time, this complication may go away.
Postmastectomy pain syndrome, or a severe, sharp, shooting, or burning pain along the chest wall. This is frequently caused by nerve damage.
Swelling of the arm on the side of the surgery, which is called lymphedema, is often a late complication, which means that it can occur months or even years after surgery. The cause is not known, but it is frequently associated with local infection.The following steps can help prevent lymphedema.
Do not have blood drawn from the involved arm.
Avoid having injections in the involved arm.
Avoid having blood pressure taken in the involved arm.
Avoid any injury to the involved arm, such as cuts, insect bites, or burns.
Keep physically active, within the limits set by the healthcare provider.
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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