A 39-year-old member asked:
How do doctors check for breast cancer after a mastectomy?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Kwonanswered
Surgery - Oncology 20 years experience
See below: Hi,
despite all the breast tissue being removed, there is always microscopic breast cells that may be under the skin. The doctors will check all the skin at the mastectomy site to "feel" if there is local recurrence. They will also check the armpit as well to make sure there are no lymph nodes that are swollen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Sewa Leghaanswered
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
General check ups: An oncologist is a cancer specialist who will examine the pateints and look for any local signs of recurrence in the breast(in case the breast was not removed with mastectomy) and also examine the chest area and the opposite breast. There are also blood tests, chest x-ray and ct scans to look for internal spread of cancer in the abdomen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
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 35 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Could you get breast cancer after a mastectomy?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carlos Encarnacionanswered
Medical Oncology 37 years experience
Yes: There could be residual malignant breast tissue in the chest wall (local recurrence) or the cancer could have already spread to other organs before surgery (metastasis).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 21, 2019
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