Hey my friend. I developed one that was immediately after my surgery, it was much bigger than 3cm. That is why I had to get a 2nd drain tube. I am pretty sure they will need to drain yours if you ask. Chin up lady, remember one day at a time.

@A MyBCTeam Member...mine developed right after surgery... I was already on antibiotics for a "boil" in my axilla on the affected side...it does not necessarily mean infection..my surgeon aspirated the fluid ..it was clear with no sign of infection...it was just a pocket of lymphatic fluid...my surgeon said that sometimes they resolve on their own and most surgeons don't like to aspirate...but mine was so uncomfortable and large!!! He sent the fluid for pathology....just lymph...no infection and no cancer.!!! Call your surgeon..ask to see him get his opinion!! They can be recurring problem...I do my exercise for my arm to prevent lymphedema...all is well now!!

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

When the seroma is removed and if its still intact it will go to pathology The surgeon can also insert a syringe and remove some of the fluid and send it to pathology. You will know if it has malignant cells in the fluid buildup. I'm understanding seroma can develop anytime after surgery. Just think of it has a foreign body and foreign bodies does not belong in your body. To ease your anxiety ask for the removal of the seroma. That is the only option that will ease your anxiety about this.

this is from breastcancer.org:

seroma (fluid built-up)

A seroma is a build-up of clear bodily fluids in a place on your body where tissue has been removed by surgery.

Seromas can happen after the following surgeries to treat breast cancer:

lumpectomy
mastectomy
lymph node removal
Seromas can appear about 7 to 10 days after surgery, after the drainage tubes have been removed. The breast area involved in the surgery may have a spot that's swollen and feels like there is liquid under the skin.

Managing a seroma
Most seromas are reabsorbed back into your body in about a month, but it some cases it can take up to a year. If the area becomes painful or the seroma doesn't improve, your doctor can drain the seroma. In some cases, the seroma may have to be drained more than once.

Tell your doctor if:

the amount of fluid seems to be increasing or the seroma is putting pressure on the healing area
you notice signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or tenderness
the swelling increases -- this could be a sign of arm lymphedema

A seroma is a clear fluid sac. I developed this after my bilateral mastectomy. Its a complication, sign of infection that needs to be taken care of. This is be an issue until the seroma is removed and the infection is cleaned out.