Complications of Mastectomy

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In the majority of cases, a mastectomy is a safe and effective operation. It is normal to experience certain side effects, such as short-term pain and swelling, and you will have a scar. However, in some cases there can be complications, and in order to be fully informed it can be useful to know what these complications are.

If your wound site becomes red, more painful and inflamed, with a discharge, you may have a wound infection. This can be treated with antibiotics. People who have had all their lymph nodes removed or treated with radiotherapy are more at risk of developing a condition called lymphoedema. This means that there is a build-up of fluid in your arm, and it causes swelling, pain and tenderness in your arm and hand. Your nurse will tell you how to prevent lymphoedema with appropriate skin care and exercise, but if it does occur, it can be controlled with early treatment. Sometimes, once the wound drain has been removed, fluid can collect around the wound (this may be referred to as seroma), and it may need draining.

Speak to your specialist or cancer care nurse straightaway if you think that you may be experiencing any of these complications.