A 39-year-old member asked:
How do you screen for breast cancer in patients who have already had a mastectomy?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Keith Monsonanswered
General Surgery 24 years experience
Physical exam: The mainstay of surveillance for breast cancer in a mastectomized breast is frequent physical exam by a physician. I examine my patients every 6 months for the first five years after mastectomy. It is also important to continue getting mammograms annually in the non-mastectomized breast.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 18 years experience
Exams: Through physical exams and sometimes imaging. Have a mastectomy does not take your risk of having breast cancer to 0%.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
Which test is used to screen for breast cancer in patients who have already had a mastectomy?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Uyedaanswered
General Surgery 46 years experience
Increased chance: Of developing cancer in the other breast, annual mammograms. Also, your doctor will also test for liver and bone spread with blood tests.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
How can they check for breast cancer after a mastectomy?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Serena Chenanswered
Reproductive endocrinology and infertility 34 years experience
See a breast surgeon: Mammogram, ultrasound and MRI may all be helpful. The important thing is to have a breast surgeon with experience following you, interpreting all test results and coordinating your care. Take care and best of luck.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 12, 2015
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