Raised Ridge at Incision Site

Posted by cinj @cinj, Dec 23, 2022

Had laparoscopic surgery 6 weeks ago for cancerous tumor in my sigmoid colon. The larger incision above my pubic bone looks to be healing well scar wise, but the incision is raised into a ridge and when I eat seems to get tight and protrude even more than it already is. Has anyone had this issue? I can’t find anything online. There’s no pain except for what I would expect at 6 weeks post op, (mildly hurts to bend over, can’t sleep on stomach). Everything else seems “normal” as far as I can tell, but the tightness and swelling when I eat is frustrating and I’m wondering if this ridge and discomfort is forever or if things will flatten out and settle.

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bea1972 | @bea1972 | Dec 24, 2022

Hi,

I have lots of abdominal scars from surgery (open surgey) - all had raised ridges that felt pulling for about a month 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, then got better. My scars are flat but I can still feel scar tissue under them. But, the discomfort goes away from the incision. I have lots of photos of their various stages of healing but do not want to gross anyone out on Christmas eve. Hang in there.

jacqquie | @jacqquie | Dec 24, 2022

I am 3 years post colostomy and recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma - moderately differentiated - at the site of the incision. It is extremely painful. Surgery is not an option because the surrounding tissue is extensively damaged from the previous radiation. I am scheduled to start radiation (for this new cancer) on Jan. 4th, but the prognosis doesn't sound too hopeful. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 27, 2022

@cinj, I'd like to add my welcome along with the helpful posts you received from @jacqquie and @bea1972. I agree with Bea that the incision will likely be less tight and flatten with time. It takes a while. Having said that, if you're concerned, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon or send a photo on a patient portal. You don't want to ignore something that might need attention.

@jacqquie, am I to understand that you had colon cancer and now you have a new cancer - squamous cell carcinoma - a skin cancer right at the site of an old incision for surgery or at the exit site of the colostomy?

jacqquie | @jacqquie | Dec 27, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "@cinj, I'd like to add my welcome along with the helpful posts you received from @jacqquie..." + (show)

That's correct. I suppose the exit site of the colostomy might be the most accurate way of describing it. It is extremely painful. A radiation doctor will be seeing me on Jan. 4 to see if radiation is a possibility. Every other treatment has been ruled out.