| Specific Complications
As a result of breast cancer treatment
it is possible that you contract a specific complication.
Possible complications include:
- pain
- breast oedema
- seroma / haematoma
- lymphoedema
- infertility / early menopause
- body image and self esteem
Pain
Some women report breast or chest pain that may last up to three
months or longer. The pain is not usually constant; rather it is
felt from time to time. After drain tubes are removed the tenderness
in the armpit decreases.
Breast Oedema
Breast Oedema is a swollen breast(s). After surgery it is common
for your breast to be swollen. This swelling is due to the trauma
of the surgery and localized retention of fluid in the tissue cells.
It will settle down over a couple of months.
Seroma / Haematoma
Seroma is a collection of tissue fluid which can be blood stained.
Haematoma is a collection of blood. Both can be side effects of
breast surgery and occur under the skin, close to the wound. Seroma
is quite common and generally noticed after the drain tube has been
removed. If these complications occur but are not causing discomfort,
further action may not be needed. However, if the area becomes tight
or sore it is drained with a fine needle with minimal discomfort.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid causing swelling
and can occur as a result of breast cancer treatment. This swelling
usually occurs in the associated arm or occasionally in the affected
breast and is a result of injury to the lymphatic vessels.
If you have had surgery to your armpit to remove some lymph
nodes (an axillary dissection) you need to pay attention to
the prevention of lymphoedema of the arm. There are a range of exercises
and other measures aimed at preventing lymphoedema which your hospital
Physiotherapist or Breast Care Nurse (BCN) will tell you about.
For women who subsequently develop lymphoedema, there is a Lymphoedema
Management program. Some physiotherapists have had specific
training in this management and you can either consult with one
of them or access a Lymphoedema Management Clinic. For more information
refer to Better
Health Channel's "Lymphoedema".
Infertility / early menopause
Some of the chemical treatments for breast cancer, such as hormone
treatment, can interfere with a woman's normal cycles and possibly
bring on an early menopause. It is recommended that you ask your
doctor how you might be affected by your treatment.
Body image and self esteem
The loss of a breast, or part of a breast, can have an impact on
a woman's self esteem and body image, affecting her as an individual.
This in turn may impact on the woman's close personal relationships
and roles in society.
The adjustment to this change can take some time and may require
some support. Breast prostheses are available to all women who are
concerned about the noticeable change in shape. Breast
Reconstruction also helps a woman adjust to losing a breast.
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