Predictors of seroma formation and the associated impact on adjuvant chemotherapy initiation for women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer at a national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A prospective, observational study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of seroma among post mastectomy breast cancer women and its impact on adjuvant therapy timing. 

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study among women who received mastectomy plus axillary dissection for invasive breast cancer at Muhimbili National Hospital between April 2021 and May 2022. Patients’ clinical demography, tumor characteristics, drainage features, and the development of seroma was documented. Use of adjuvant therapy was collected at a follow visit. Prediction of seroma development and impact of adjuvant therapy initiations was determined by chi -square test with significance set at p value of <5%.

Results: We recruited 106 patients of which seroma was present in 49% with age >50 years and drainage of >150cc in first 24hours being significant predictors (p-0.03 and 0.002 respectively). Long-term follow up was done to 86 (81%) of which 74 (87%) received adjuvant chemotherapy with delay being significant among those with seroma formation, p-value 0.018

Conclusions: Seroma formation is common among women post mastectomy with no modifiable factor. Delay in adjuvant therapy is significant in the setting of a seroma formation. More studies are needed to reduce seroma occurrence as well as mitigate its impact on adjuvant therapy initiation.