Post-Mastectomy Cancer Check: Radiation & Reconstruction - Expert Advice

Question
Hi Dr C,

firstly thanks your answers were really helpful.

Can I also ask, if a patient had a single mastectomy and then went on to have radiation therapy.  At the end of the therapy what procedure would be carried out to check that the cancer had gone?  Would it be a mammogram?

Also in delayed reconstruction would the other breast be checked for cancer before the procedure goes ahead?  Is this usual practice?

Many thanks again Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Typically the confirmation that the cancer is gone is obtained from the patholgy results from the surgery. These results should confirm the mastectomy removed all the cancer. If the pathology confirms this (which it usually does), and radiation has been recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back, there are no specific tests that are performed on completion of the radiation per se. However, occasionally radiation is used to treat residual cancer. In these instances an MRI can be performed following treatment to take another look.

The remaining breast should always be evaluated before proceding with delayed reconstruction. This involves at least a physical exam and a mammogram (if one has not been done recently).

Dr C