How do you handle post-op, pre-radiation breast seromas and hematomas?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
It depends on what I'm doing. If the patient is being treated to only the whole breast, like with the Canadian protocol, then I tend to do nothing. I just go ahead and treat. The hematoma usually won't resolve enough to change the volume over the three weeks. If I feel this patient needs a boost, th...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
This varies based on volume, time since surgery and patients symptomatology
Most seromas are asymptomatic and regresses with time and thus need no intervention. Symptomatic or large seromas ( usally 100cc or more) are usally addressed with aspirtaion and we wait for few weeks before ini...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Is anyone aware of any published data on post-RT outcomes in this patient population?
I have seen a number of breast Ca patients with large post-op seromas/hematomas (at 6-8 weeks post-surgery) and am wondering whether there is a proven utility of aspiration/evacuation in patients scheduled for who...