Breast Reconstruction Q&A
88%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
91 Reviews
Breast Reconstructionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Reconstruction Cost: $8,900

Learn about Breast Reconstruction

487 people and 265 doctors are talking about Breast Reconstruction

Get Free Email Updates

Do I Need Yearly Mammograms or MRI After Breast Cancer and Reconstruction?

asked 1 year ago by Good Karma in Indiana
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 1,068 times
Tags: breast cancer, mammogram, mastectomy

I had mastectomy Oct 2008. Reconstruction finished June 2009. Do I need a yearly mammogram or MRI to continue to look for cancer?

9 answers to Do I Need Yearly Mammograms or MRI After Breast Cancer and Reconstruction?

+1

Follow-up studies

Oncologists differ in terms of follow-up some want it every other year and others want it yearly, you should speak with your oncologist.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Imaging and Surveilance after Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Breast surgeons and breast oncologists differ in opinion about the best method to monitor a woman after mastectomy and reconstruction. There is no single answer, and what is best for you will depend on a number of factors such as whether or not you are at increased genetic risk for breast cancer (e.g, BRCA gene mutation carrier), whether or not you had disease in one or both of your breasts prior to mastectomy, and the type of reconstruction you had. It would be best to discuss this... more
David Greenspun, MD, MSc

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.davidgreenspunmd.com

+1

Screening of reconstructed breast

The answer varies amongst oncologists. If you have had a mastectomy and reconstruction, then there is no need for a mammogram after reconstruction.  However, I have seen oncologists perform MRIs or PETs scan for routine cancer surveillance every 6-12 months post mastectomy and reconstruction.  Of course, all this varies based on your tumor biology.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Radiographic screening after mastectomy

This depends upon many factors including tumor type, oncotype, cancer staging, etc. The decision is made typically by your oncologist. If you have had a unilateral mastectomy, then screening absolutely continues on the contralateral breast.
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+1

MRI Question should Be Decided By Oncologist

In reality, your oncologist should make this decision, based on your initial staging, treatment, etc.  The higher your stage, the more likely they will want to follow you every 6 months as opposed to every year or every other year for some women.  I would contact your oncologist and see what they recommend, since they are the ones who really understand the risks associated with recurrence levels at different stages, which is what you are really looking for. I hope this helps.... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yearly MRI after mastectomy depends on several conditions

To some degree, it depends on the type of mastectomy performed and the results of the pathology. If a subtotal or subcutaneous mastectomy is performed or there is suspicion for residual or locally metastatic disease, a yearly MRI may not be unreasonable.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post- Mastectomy Follow Up

Breast cancer follow up depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the treatment(s) and what your insurance company considers proper and therefore willing to pay for. There is little doubt that MRI is a great imaging modality. But it is expensive and I doubt that all insurance companies would be willing to bear its annual cost. I would advise you to discuss your needs and options with both your surgeon and and your oncologist. Good luck. Dr. Aldea
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast cancer follow-up

Your question should be best answered by your cancer specialist and is based on many factors.  Your body has shown that it knows how to make breast cancer and you are at higher risk on the other side than the general population.  Ask your doctor their advice. Finally, congratulations and I hope you have years and years of great health!
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Congratulations on being a survivor!

You will need to continue screening exams on your opposite breast, assuming you only had one removed for cancer.  Your breast surgeon will be able to guide you regarding the timing of these exams, as some of the guidelines will be based on the type of cancer you had.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question