Mastectomy Complications
Learn how your age, health condition, pregnancy, medical history and more could impact potential Mastectomy complications.
Alternate Names for Mastectomy:
Breast surgery
Surgery for breast cancer
Surgery to remove a breast
Surgical removal, breast
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Mastectomy Risk Factors
Alternate Names for Mastectomy:
Breast surgery
Surgery for breast cancer
Surgery to remove a breast
Surgical removal, breast
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a mastectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Bleeding and bruising
- Seroma (accumulation of clear fluid in the wound)
- Infection
- Swelling of the arm caused by accumulation of fluid in lymph nodes ( lymphedema )
- Limited arm and shoulder movement
- Numbness of skin on upper arm
- Pain after the procedure (burning, stabbing pain where breast was removed)
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Smoking
- Recent or chronic illness
- Use of certain medicines or dietary supplements
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
