Chemoport Placement
Breast cancer treatments often involve cycles of chemotherapy over months. A chemoport spares veins from damage and makes the experience more manageable.
It’s very common for breast cancer patients to have a chemoport, especially if treatment involves drugs like doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, or combinations (like AC-T regimen)
A chemoport (short for chemotherapy port) is a small medical device implanted under the skin, usually in the chest, to make it easier to give chemotherapy (and sometimes to draw blood) without needing repeated needle sticks in the arm veins. It’s commonly used for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment if they are expected to need multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
What it is
A chemoport is a small, round disc made of metal or plastic attached to a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is threaded into a large vein (typically the superior vena cava near the heart).
Placement
A minor surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia (sometimes with sedation). It is placed beneath the skin — so you’ll just see a small bump.
Why it’s used
Chemotherapy drugs can be tough on small veins. A port provides a reliable, less painful access for infusions, especially when the treatment plan is long (months) or requires frequent blood draws.
How it’s accessed
Nurses use a special needle (called a Huber needle) to access the port through the skin. It’s quick and usually less painful than a traditional IV stick.
Care and maintenance
When not in use, the port needs to be flushed with saline (and often heparin) every 4–6 weeks to prevent clotting.
Removal
After chemotherapy is complete, the port can be removed with a simple outpatient surgery.
Specific to breast cancer
Breast cancer treatments often involve cycles of chemotherapy over months. A chemoport spares veins from damage and makes the experience more manageable. It’s very common for breast cancer patients, especially if treatment involves drugs like doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, or combinations (like AC-T regimen).
