What complications should I watch for after Melanoma surgery

Complications to Watch for After Melanoma Surgery

After melanoma surgery, it's important to know what complications can occur so you can recognize them early and contact your healthcare team. Here are the main complications to monitor:

Immediate Post-Surgery Complications (First Few Weeks)

Infection at the surgical site

• Signs: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or drainage from the incision
• Fever or chills
• Contact your doctor if you notice these signs, as infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics

Bleeding or fluid buildup

• Excessive bleeding from the wound
• Fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma) causing swelling or bulging
• Some fluid drainage is normal initially, but excessive amounts should be reported

Poor wound healing

• The incision not closing properly
• Edges of the wound separating
• Slow or delayed healing

Pain that worsens

• Some pain after surgery is expected, but increasing pain despite medication may signal a problem
• Severe, persistent pain should be evaluated

Longer-Term Complications

Lymphedema According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Melanoma, lymphedema is swelling due to buildup of lymph fluid in the fatty tissue just under the skin near the surgery site. This can occur if lymph nodes were removed during your surgery.

• Signs: Swelling in the arm or leg on the surgery side, heaviness, tightness, or reduced range of motion
• Can develop weeks, months, or even years after surgery
• Report any new swelling to your care team

Nerve-related problems

• Numbness or tingling around the surgical area (this is often temporary)
• Persistent nerve pain
• Weakness in the area

Scarring and skin changes

• Visible scarring (expected, but significant changes should be monitored)
• Changes in skin color around the incision
• Tightness of skin that limits movement

When to Contact Your Healthcare Team

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Melanoma, your provider should examine your skin and lymph nodes regularly during follow-up care. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Signs of infection (fever, increasing redness, pus, warmth)
• Excessive bleeding or drainage
• Severe or worsening pain not controlled by medication
• New or increasing swelling (especially in the arm or leg)
• Wound separation or poor healing
• Numbness or weakness that worsens
• Any other unusual symptoms

Important Questions to Ask Your Surgical Team

Before you leave the hospital or surgical center, ask:

1. What specific complications should I watch for based on MY surgery? (The type and extent of your surgery affects your risk)
2. How should I care for my incision at home? (Cleaning, dressing, activity restrictions)
3. What pain level is normal, and when should I call?
4. If lymph nodes were removed, what are the early signs of lymphedema?
5. When should I schedule my follow-up appointment, and what will be checked?
6. Are there any activities I should avoid during recovery?
7. Who should I call if I have concerns after hours?

Follow-Up Care

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Melanoma emphasize that your provider may expect to examine your skin and lymph nodes at least once a year. How often you receive follow-up testing depends on how likely it is that the cancer will return. Your care team will explain what to expect and how to do self-exams of your skin and lymph nodes.

---

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.