Is A Large Lump At Incision Site After Surgery Normal?

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 7 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife had her second back surgery about 8 weeks ago. she has developed a large(about 3 in. in diameter) soft lump where the incision is. This lump is about 1.5 inches high. What is the problem?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please gice feedback - investigations as answered

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.

Noted the history of second back surgery of your wife about 8 weeks ago and developed 3X1.5 inches soft lump where the incision is.

I would like to know a few additional points for me to assist you more:
- What was the surgery for? The first and second one.. the diagnosis please.
- Since when has the lump appeared/noted?
- Is the skin normal colored or changed to any other color?
- Is the temperature normal or raised?
- Any pain or any other symptoms?
-Any investigations /consultations?

These points will helps us to discuss further.

The most probable causes are:
- Seroma formation - fluid from the blood.
- Recurrence of a mass if it was for some tumor.
- Collection of chyle/ cerebrospinal fluid or such as might have been operated for.

I would advise you the following:
-Ultrasonography to start with, and FNAC to see the contents and send for analysis or histopath as per the contents.
-Confirmatory CT/MRI and the further treatment as per the findings.
-All things obviously under the care of the operating Surgeon preferably.

I hope this answer helps you for early diagnosis, proper treatment plan, please feel to ask for further queries if need be or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar