Lump on chest wall 3 months after surgery!!

[tnbarker1]

I had a lobectomy at the end of February as I had a 5.5cm mass in my middle lobe. After being told by the consultant and surgeon that it was unlikely to be cancer, the results came through as stage 2A mucinous adenacarcinoma.

I have recovered well, have some nerve pain but nothing too severe. 3 months on I have developed quite a large lump on my chest wall next to my chest drain scar. Any ideas what this could be? Is it possible to get a build up of fluid 3 months after surgery? There is no sign of infection but the area is tender. I'm waiting for a call from my consultant and I've just had a chest X-ray.

Any thoughts?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello thbarker1,

I am pleased to hear that you have made a good recovery after your lobectomy and that although you have some nerve pain it is not to severe. You have done the right thing by contacting the surgeon regarding the lump at the site of your chest drain as it is best to get this reviewed by the medical team whose care you are under. It is possible the lump is scar tissue or inflammation around the chest drain site, the surgeon will discuss the chest x-ray results with you.

if you wish to discuss anything you can call our free nurse led helpline on 0333 323 7200

Kindest regards

The Roy Castle Support Team