Breast Cancer is a severe problem and not everyone get through it very easily. As we have dedicated this month to breast cancer awareness, we will be bringing you some articles on breast cancer and related information which can support you in this condition. Breast cancer surgery is a long process because even after the main surgery, the therapies that take place are hard to withstand and have certain side-effects on the body. Today we will talk about different side-effects and after affects of surgery of breast cancer treatment.
Do Side-effects occur after Breast cancer surgery?
We consulted an expert Dr. Keshav Govinda Gupta, Cancer Specialist and Immunotherapy Expert from Vozart Healthcare Hospital, Kochi. He told us that even after doing the surgical process and removing cancer from the breast, there are some effects which remain for a while. These are basically more of after affects of a surgery rather than side-effect of cancer. Also various people have different after affects on their body. Some may have negligible symptoms whereas some may face major issue that needs to be diagnosed and needs medical attention.
This starts from wound dressing to pain, swelling, muscles problems, etc. Let us know about these side-effects one by one.
Side-effects After Breast Cancer Treatment
According to our expert most of the people have minimal symptoms or problems after surgery. However in some cases people can experience side-effects of breast cancer surgery. Here are a few major side-effects that usually occur-
1. Pain and discomfort
This is a general symptom which is experienced by most of the people having breast cancer treatment. Pain and discomfort remains for a few days in most cases. This is because of damage to their minor nerves in breast cancer treatment. Whole cancer causing tumour is taken out because of which some other affected areas also need to be removes. As a result of it you might feel discomfort and pain.
Pain relief medications are usually given in the form of tablets, supplements and with injection. This might help you bring down the pain for the time being. The level of pain relief medications also vary according to different people. However if the pain lasts for longer than usual time given by the doctor, go for a brief consultation.
2. Bruise and swelling
Bruising is also a common side-effect of breast cancer treatment. It usually goes over time and the body is able to recover from bruises soon enough. Swelling can happen for a couple of days after the operation but it must go after a while. If it does not happen, then it is a major side-effect. This problem is called oedema, it occurs on your breast, chest wall and shoulder. It can be quite painful and discomforting.
The healing process has an effect on this type of swelling and it may last for 6-8 weeks. As a result you may have to prefer some supportive bra and products to reduce your swelling and give proper care to your breasts.
3. Seroma
This is a condition in which the fluid is collected near the arms and breast region. It can be painful at times and cause obstruction in recovery process. Seroma happens to few people after their surgery of breast cancer and can go to abdominal area if the tissue has been taken from there. Seroma in normal cases gets absorbed by the body over time and things become normal.
If the pain or discomfort does not go in a while, then you may have to get it checked through an expert that looks after this problem. The only way to treat it is through taking the excess fluid out using a syringe that takes a while. This process may take several attempts in order to totally bring the fluid out of the body. Treatment of seroma does not cause any pain during the treatment process but the area may become numb for some time.
4. Haematoma
This is a blood condition in which the blood gets collected in the tissues surrounding the wound. In some cases of breast cancer treatment, there could be possibility of having haematoma causing swelling, hardness and discomfort in the region. Blood is mostly absorbed but it takes a few weeks to do so. In the meanwhile, the person may have swelling in the region and severe discomfort because of which some people also suggest to remove it using needle and syringe. A breast care nurse can do this procedure for you.
Also Read- Can Breast Cancer Be Cured Without Surgery? Doctor Explains
5. Stiff Shoulder
This is also a major side-effect which many women face. Stiffness in the shoulder remains for some weeks which can be very irritating and problematic. This restricts your general movements and range of motion in the body. Stiff shoulder can cause soreness and you may need a physiotherapist if this occurs to you as a side-effect. It is important to start shoulder movement before starting radiotherapy and other therapy session. Hence treating this condition is quite important as it may create obstruction in the recovery process.
6. Cording
In some cases after the surgery, you may get a tight cord of tissue under the skin. This means a tiny lump like formation under the skin which can restrict your movement and cause pain in the arms, shoulder and in the breast region. Cording is also known as axillary web syndrome which majorly results to pain in the armpit and spreads till elbow and wrist as well.
Cording can be improved if you stretch the cord but it needs expert care for which you would need a physiotherapist. This cord can only be felt and it is advised to take expert opinion before treating this condition. The process of stretching of cord might feel uncomfortable and painful for a few days, but as the condition improves, the pain and discomfort will also go.
Also Read- Why Are Breast Cancer Demographics Changing In India? Know The Challenges From Expert
7. Wound Infection
Wound infection can actually at any point of time till the surgical wound is healed. It usually takes around 3 weeks for the skin to heal itself properly and 6-7 weeks for the internal stitches to bind effectively. In these weeks, there is always a chance of having infection. Antibiotic medicines are usually given to patients suffering from wound infection. Here are some symptoms that could possibly mean you are having a wound infection.
- Discharge of fluid from the wound
- Having high body temperature for most of the time
- Redness in that breast region
- The would may feel tender, swollen and warm to touch
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