What is a Seroma, Questions Answered by Doctor Valerie Gorman

Dr. Valerie Gorman knows that there are many concerns when breast cancer is on the table. Seroma, a possible side effect of breast cancer surgeries, is just one thing on a patients mind. Dr. Gorman took the time to update her article on seromas, “Fluid Collection After Breast Surgery – Seroma to educate her patients and answer the most frequently asked questions on the subject. Texas Breast Center

She discusses who is more likely to get a seroma and how these fluid collections come to be. Some risk factors for a seroma forming after surgery are a patient’s age, the amount of tissue being removed in the surgery, and any history of seromas. Dr. Gorman states that If a woman has previously suffered from seromas following surgery, then there is an increased likelihood that she will get them again.

Seromas themselves are the bodys attempt to fill a newly empty space where tissue has been removed by a surgical procedure, forming a sort of internal blister. The body is trying to solve a perceived problem. However, this can lead to infection or other complications. Some of these are:

infection, which could cause the seroma to develop an abscess. An abscess will not heal itself and is only likely to increase in size and become more painful.

Fortunately, these complications are rare, as in most cases seromas will disappear as the fluids will slowly be reabsorbed back into the body.Dr. Gorman discusses other treatment options in her article and will discuss them with her patients should the need for them to arrive, helping them to find the best option for them.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman values keeping her patients informed and helping them find their best options and care plans. She specializes in surgical oncology of the breast Seroma and other surgical diseases and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is the Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Waxahachie.


Texas Breast Center’s Article on Seroma & Fluid Collection After Breast Cancer

Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS has just released an article on seromas, a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery. Dr. Gorman published the article to inform patients about the possible risks and lack thereof that accompany seroma.

Seroma, a collection of fluid where removed tissues once were, is a common side effect and can be harmless. In most cases, a seroma will take care of itself, as the body will reabsorb the fluids.

Seroma Breast Cancer Surgery Texas Side Effects

Doctor Gorman discusses treatment for the more stubborn seromas, which can require:

insert[ing] a needle into the seroma and then drain[ing] the excess fluid out of it. In some cases, this procedure may need to be repeated on more than two or three occasions. If the fluid continues to return even after numerous drainings, then some doctors may decide that a minor operation to remove the seroma entirely might be the best option, or to place a drain temporarily.

Some potential risk factors for seromas are age, breast size, previous biopsy surgery, use of certain medications, and history of seromas, though Dr. Gorman states that none of these factors ensure a seroma.

Dr. Valerie J. Gorman is a breast surgeon who specializes in surgical oncology and other surgical diseases–specifically of the breast–and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She serves at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie as Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services.