After a bilateral mastectomy (no node involvement) what tests are recommended (MRI, etc) to see if cancer has spread? How often should these be performed?

1 year post surgery with implants. On tamoxifen, no radiation or chemo.

Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
Answer Summary
2
Expert Answers

dianeradfordmd (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 04 / 08 / 2012

The NCCN publishes guidelines for followup.
http://www.nccn.com/files/cancer-guidelines/breast/index.html#/86/
Physical exam is indicated every 4-6 months initially. Annual blood work and tumor markers are often drawn. There is a trend away from routine imaging in asymptomatic patients.

amooremd (Physician - Radiology (Verified) ) - 04 / 02 / 2012

A woman who has had bilateral mastectomies with negative nodes, assuming she is younger than age 75 and otherwise healthy, will probably have chemotherapy, depending on hormone receptors, etc, so she will be followed by her medical oncologist, as well as her breast surgeon. Initially women are seen every 3 months, and then later maybe every 4-6 months. I had a mastectomy in 2004 and because I am an imaging person I do CT scans on myself every year. But my oncologist does blood work more frequently than once a year, like 3 times, and they check tumor markers every time. Tumor markers are a good way to evaluate if a tumor is active or recurring. Decisions to perform CT, MRI or PET scanning are made on an individual basis, in my experience. There are so many variables. These decisions might also depend on the area that a person lives. Is there a very strong imaging department? Is it a tertiary care center with interns and residents, and is there a lot of research?
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
After breast cancer metastasizes, what pathology tests are performed on the new tumors? Does it depend on the location of the tumor?
Should I be worried that radiation could damage brachial plexus nerve after having triple negative inflammatory breast cancer and bilateral mastectomy?
If cancer is found in one breast of a young woman, and a mastectomy is recommended, would you ever recommend a bilateral mastectomy for any reason?
How can you tell if a patient is too frail for cancer treatments? What tests are performed?
For prostate cancer, how is it determined if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service