After my 1st surgery and neck dissection 5 years ago, my body decided to spit out silk sutures. I don't understand why and all my surgeon says is that it is not a common occurance.

The spitting out consists of a pimple/bump emerging from the skin and when it is opened or opens on its own the suture falls out. I have also had problems with suture granulomas.

It is now 2 years since my 2nd surgery, and we have had a couple of suture issues, but not as bad as the 1st surgery. About 6 months ago I had a lump (if I had a nickel for every time I have said THAT phrase!) and surgical oncologist opened up the area and saw 2 stitches but there wasn't even material to biopsy, so assumption made that it was the sutures causing the trouble. He could not remove the 2 sutures due to the fact that I SCREAMED LIKE HELL whenever he dug around there. CT since then shows all clear.

About a week ago - I had a lump (.05 please) which quickly opened up but this time it started to bleed. This went on for a few days - went to see my surgeons nurse and saw surgeon on Monday. He cauterized the area and I go back on next Weds. It hurts a bit but since cauterization the area is larger!

Has anyone else had these problems with sutures? My surgeon says they are using the best quality hypoallergenic sutures. Why does this happen and why 2 years after surgery???

Any insight would be good. This is the one time when I don't think it is cancer, and I hope my optomism isn't misplaced! How ironic would that be!

Thanks

Donna B