Imaging/screenings after prophylactic mastectomy

Anonymous

Imaging/screenings after prophylactic mastectomy

Coelhinha

Hi everyone!

What’s the recommendation you’ve been getting concerning screening/imaging after preventative mastectomy? I’ve been hearing conflicting info, some say it’s not necessary for screening and others say I still need them since it’s not possible to remove all breast tissue...

Moderators

Coelhinha, welcome to our Community and thank you for posting! We're sure other members will be along shortly with their thoughts and advice. Until then, you may find this podcast helpful: Prophylactic Surgery for Women at High Risk: Part 1

We hope you will stay connected here, and we would love to hear more from you!

Best wishes,

From the Mods

LivinLife

I had a BMX with SNB August 31. My understanding is no imaging though I have seen some report they have imaging - I think that is pretty uncommon though. I just count on manual exams and if there is any finding by me or one of my docs imaging will happen at that point. Gotta tell you though - I saw my OBGYN for my annual in Nov. and all he did was lift my gown part way pat my left underarm area where I had the SNB done and that was it! No manual exam in the breast/along the scar area at all. He was then at the other end of the table before I knew it! I know they are afraid I'm not healed yet (slow healer) so am chalking it up to that. I do wonder though if some of these male docs may be freaked out by no reconstruction.... going flat.... He even double checked if I planned on undergoing recon - nope due to autoimmune issues and he was ok - I've seen him for over a decade - he's a fairly sensitive guy...

I see my oncologist in March and would expect a manual exam then - will be my first since August - saw her telehealth in Oct. My surgeon has been on medical leave since my surgery - I feel for her and just want her well! She may be the one I'm following after the oncologist. I have another issue (non-cancer) brewing that may require continued follow-up with an oncologist however - my current onc wants me seeing someone locally (current onc 4 hours away) if I need to be followed by onc. Didn't mean to go into all of that though in case it helps anyone else....

MinusTwo

Every doc is different. If you have a BMX, most never do scans again - just manual checks. My MO who has retired told me to fight for an MRI if I wanted one just for my piece of mind. On the other hand, I don't really what the contrast in my body very often. I've compromised with a radiologist who recommended ULS every two years - only because I have implants.

Astrid1986

Hi

I did the same procedure 8 years ago when I was 26. Hopefully bilateral prophylactic mastectomy reduces the risk up to 90 per cent.

As you said there are various arguments. To the best of my knowledge, it needs to be screened but not as frequent as those high- risks women who do not operate prophylaxis. It also depends on the type of mastectomy and reconstruction method you did and the extent to which the tissues have been removed. (save or removal of nipples, silicon or flap or just 3D tattoo?). I often request screening whenever I go for Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries every 6-7 months.

Best wishes for you.

CBK

All I receive are manual screening both by breast surgeon and MO.

For those of you that get ultrasounds does insurance cover the visit?

MinusTwo

Medicare covers my ULS every other years but likely because I have implants.