Procedure:
Surgical removal of a lump which may be
malignant (i.e. a cancer that may spread). The
tumour will then be sent to pathology for tests.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which
include:
(a) The tumour may recur.
(b) The pathology report may indicate further
treatment is necessary. This could be
extensive.
(c) Fluid may build up under the wound and
this may discharge through the suture line.
(d) There may be scarring as part of the
normal healing process.
(e) The edges of the wound may not be in
perfect alignment and may overlap. The
body soon corrects this. The resulting scar
will vary between individuals.
(f) The wound may heal and then stretch as
time goes on.
(g) The wound may heal with a thick scar,
which may be discoloured and painful.
(h) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(i) Increased risk in smokers of wound and
chest infections, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.