Computed Tomographic Findings of Postoperative Seroma in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Seroma formation at the surgical site is a common finding in postoperative breasts and should not be mistaken for tumor recurrence on imaging studies. The purpose of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of postoperative seromas in patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer. Methods: The CT findings of surgical site seromas were evaluated retrospectively in 171 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from January to December 2010. Chest CT is recommended twice a year for the first 3 years postoperatively and annually thereafter; we evaluated the incidence of surgical site seroma and the imaging findings on CT images. Results: Seroma (mean maximal diameter, 21 mm) was observed in 34 patients (29 at the mastectomy site and 6 at the axillae) on the initial follow-up CT. The lesion shapes included round (n=11), oval (n=12), and triangular (n=12). Most of the seromas (n=33) showed homogeneous attenuation, and all exhibited mild peripheral rim enhancement. During a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 10–50 months), 60% of seromas diminished in size and resolved completely at a mean 24 months postoperatively. The remainder of seromas (n=14) persisted, though were smaller. Conclusion: Approximately 20% of surgically treated breast cancer patients had surgical site seromas visible on CT 6 months after surgery. The seromas varied in appearance, but should not be mistaken for tumor recurrence.