The short answer
A port is a small disc placed under your skin during minor surgery, before your chemotherapy begins. A thin tube connects it to a large vein, usually in your chest. A nurse can insert a needle through the port to give chemo or draw blood, avoiding repeated needle sticks. It stays in until treatment ends, and you should watch the area for signs of infection.
A port is a small, round disc placed under your skin during minor surgery, before your course of treatment begins.
A thin tube called a catheter connects the port to a large vein, most often in your chest.
A nurse inserts a needle into the port to give chemotherapy or draw blood, which avoids repeated needle sticks in your arm.
The needle can stay in place for treatments that last longer than one day.
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The full explanation.
The short version
If your care team has recommended a port, it helps to know what it is and why it is used. A port is a small, round disc that a surgeon places under your skin during a minor surgery, before your course of chemotherapy begins. It is a common way to make repeated treatment sessions and blood draws easier on your veins.
Before the procedure
A port is placed before you start your course of chemotherapy, and it stays in place until you finish. The port sits just under the skin, usually in your chest. A thin, soft tube called a catheter connects the port to a large vein, most often a vein in your chest. Your care team will talk with you about the plan and answer your questions before the day of the procedure.
During the procedure
Placing a port is considered minor surgery. A surgeon puts the port in place under your skin and connects it to the catheter, which is threaded into a large vein. Because it is a surgical procedure, your team will give you instructions to follow beforehand and afterward.
Why some people get a port
Most IV chemotherapy is given through a thin needle placed in a vein in the hand or lower arm. A port — like a catheter — is another way to receive chemotherapy that avoids repeated needle sticks in your arm. This can be especially helpful if your veins are hard to access, or if you will be getting treatment often over a long period of time.
Using your port for treatment
Once your port is in place, a nurse can insert a needle through your skin and into the port whenever you need chemotherapy or blood work. This means the nurse does not have to find a new vein each time — the needle goes into the same port. If you are having a treatment that lasts longer than one day, the needle can stay in place in the port for the full length of treatment, rather than being removed and reinserted.
Ports vs. catheters vs. pumps
It can help to know how a port compares with other devices your team might mention:
- A port sits entirely under your skin. Nothing is visible on the outside except a small bump, and a needle is inserted through the skin to reach it when needed.
- A catheter is also a thin tube placed into a large vein, but the end of a catheter stays outside your body rather than being covered by skin.
- A pump is a device that can be attached to control the flow and amount of chemotherapy you receive, sometimes used together with a port or catheter.
Your care team will recommend the option that fits your treatment plan, how long you will be receiving chemotherapy, and your veins.
Caring for your port and signs to watch for
Because a port stays under your skin for as long as your treatment continues, it is important to know the signs of infection and to tell your team right away if you notice changes around the port site. Your nurse will show you what a healthy port site looks like so you know what to watch for during your course of treatment.
After your course of treatment
The port remains in place until you finish your treatment. When your care team decides it is time, the port will be removed. Ask your team what that process involves and when you can expect it, so you know what to plan for.
Questions for your team
Every treatment plan is different, so it helps to bring your own questions to your care team. Ask why a port is being recommended for you, what the procedure involves, and how to care for the area between sessions. There is no such thing as too small a question when it comes to a device that will be part of your daily life during treatment.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is a port?
A port is a small, round disc that a surgeon places under your skin during minor surgery, before your course of chemotherapy begins. A thin, soft tube called a catheter connects the port to a large vein, most often a vein in your chest.
▸Does getting a port require surgery?
Yes, but it is considered minor surgery. A surgeon places the port under your skin and connects it to a catheter that is threaded into a large vein before you start your course of treatment.
▸How is the port used during chemotherapy?
A nurse inserts a needle through your skin and into the port to give chemotherapy or draw blood. This means the nurse does not need to find a new vein in your arm or hand each time. For treatments that last longer than one day, the needle can stay in place in the port.
▸How long does a port stay in place?
A port is placed before you begin your course of treatment and stays in place until you finish. Ask your team what to expect when it is time for the port to come out.
▸What is the difference between a port and a catheter?
A port sits entirely under your skin, so nothing is visible on the outside except a small bump. A catheter is also a thin tube placed into a large vein, but the end of a catheter stays outside your body rather than being covered by skin.
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