What is Seroma?

Seroma is a collection of fluid on the body that looks like swelling or a mass. Seromas form where tissue has been injured or cut. Seromas vary in size. Some are small and painless.

Others may become large and cause pain or discomfort. Many seromas go away on their own as the fluid is naturally absorbed by the body, and some seromas need to be drained.

What are the causes?

Seromas form as the result of damage to tissue or the removal of tissue. This tissue damage may occur during surgery or because of an injury or trauma. When tissue is disrupted or removed, empty space is created. The body’s natural defense system (immune system) causes fluid to enter the empty space and form a seroma.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Swelling at the site of a surgical cut (incision) or an injury.
• Drainage of clear fluid at the surgery or injury site.
• Discomfort or pain.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. During the exam, your health care provider will press on the seroma. You may also have tests, including:

• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

How is this treated?

Some seromas go away (resolve) on their own. Your health care provider may monitor you to make sure the seroma does not cause any complications. If your seroma does not resolve on its own, treatment may include:

• Using a needle to drain the fluid from the seroma (needle aspiration).
• Inserting a flexible tube (catheter) to drain the fluid.
• Applying a bandage (dressing), such as an elastic bandage or binder.
• Antibiotic medicines, if the seroma becomes infected.

In rare cases, surgery may be done to remove the seroma and repair the area.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Check your seroma every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness or pain.
  • Fluid or pus.
  • More swelling.
  • Warmth.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have redness or pain at the site of the seroma.
• You have fluid or pus coming from the seroma.
• Your seroma is more swollen or is getting bigger.
• Your seroma is warm to the touch.