Complications of breast cancer management

Question 1

What can tamoxifen increase the risk of?

Answer 1

Endometrial cancer
Venous thromboembolism Menopausal symptoms

Question 2

What is another term for Trastuzumab?

Answer 2

Herceptin

Question 3

What type of drug is Trastuzumab?

Answer 3

Biologic

Question 4

When is trastuzumab useful?

Answer 4

HER2 positive tumours

Question 5

When can trastuzumab not be used?

Answer 5

In patients with a history of heart disorders.

Question 6

What are the possible surgical side effects of breast cancer surgery?

Answer 6

Pain
Bleeding
Infection
Seroma
Displeasure with cosmetic outcome

Question 7

What is a seroma?

Answer 7

Accumulation of fluid beneath the surface of the skin

Question 8

When does a seroma typically occur?

Answer 8

7-10 days after surgery

Question 9

What is a seroma due to?

Answer 9

Blood plasma and inflammatory fluid which has leaked from damaged blood vessels

Question 10

What are the possible complications of axillary node clearance?

Answer 10

Lymphoedema
Damage to brachial plexus
Axillary artery/vein injury

Question 11

What is lymphoedema?

Answer 11

Progressive build up of lymphatic fluid, leading to swelling within a region of the body

Question 12

How does lymphoedema develop?

Answer 12

Develops slowly over a period of 18–24 months post-surgery

Question 13

What structures can get damaged due to axillary node clearance?

Answer 13

Axillary artery/ vein
Damage to brachail plexus