Mammograms after a Mastectomy: Is this necessary?

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FellowCanadian
FellowCanadian Member Posts: 11
edited December 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

9 years out. So all good. The worry, for the mostpart, is not there.

Question though: Last November was the first time the mammographer insisted that I have a mammogram on the side that was reconstructed after mastectomy. I only ever had an ultrasound after the removal on that side.

Is a mammogram standard practice?

Thanks in advance and best wishes to all those new to this journey.

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  • FellowCanadian
    FellowCanadian Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2014

    Okay, I'll reply to myself. Had the mammogram today - both sides. What do you have to lose, I guess; and, this particular mammographer (the same as last year) is pretty intent on being thorough. So, I think it is a good idea.

    Blessings to all new to this roller coaster ride. The Not Knowing is the toughest. And, women are so strong!

    Happy Thanksgiving to our US sisters!

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited November 2014

    Not everyone gets a mammogram after a MX. There was another thread about this awhile back. It does seem more common in Canada(from what I remember of previous discussion). Although someone who had surgery/reconstruction at UCLA was getting yearly mammogram.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited November 2014
    I get yearly MRIs post BMX. I think one of the reasons I get them is my high risk family, but I've never asked my onc about it.
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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Hi FellowCanadian

    Congrats on your nine years out!

    On your question regarding mammograms after reconstruction, BCO's founder - Marisa Weiss, along with other MD's also offers some insight.

    You might like to read it Here and Here (Screening after reconstruction)

    Best wishes to you too!

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  • FellowCanadian
    FellowCanadian Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2014

    That link was SO helpful. Thank you!

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited November 2014

    You posted in the DCIS forum which might suggest you had no invasive disease process.

    All 3 of my physicians PS, BS and MO told me no mammogram on the MX side. WHY???? overkill for no medically indicated reason.

    If there is a recurrence, it will be superficial, felt by the examiner as it will most likely occur in the underlying surface of the skin. Which is why it is so important to have a physical exam by a doc.

    The link provided by the mods is what my docs recommended as well.

    Unnecessary testing to be sure. IMHO

    And that of my 3 docs.

    My 2 cents......

    edited to add...I am not understanding why a technician is deciding you need a mammo, unless I misunderstood your post. My PS said some techs see breast tissue and want to scan it anyway. However, I have never had a tech or radiologist question my script that specifically states diagnostic of the left breast only. ....I have a flap recon, I do know there is the suggestion to have periodic MRIs to check for leakage if one has implants, though I do not know what the time intervals may be suggested for that.


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  • FellowCanadian
    FellowCanadian Member Posts: 11
    edited December 2014

    Hi Sandpiper,

    Thank you very much for your reply.

    My diagnosis was DCIS with no invasive components reported. You are correct. Grades 2/3 with comedo-necrosis.

    Initially, my doctor wrote on the 1st mammogram requisition after my mastectomy, that I would be having a mammogram on both sides. I stated, no, not on my mast side. ? There is nothing there. So, that was the way it was - year after year. A mammogram on "good side" and an ultrasound on mast. / reconstructed side.

    Last year, a mammographer I had never had before said that she wasn't comfortable NOT taking images of the mast side. I okayed it. This year, the same mammographer repeated it. Then, off for the ultrasound. This time for the first time since my 1st mammogram I had to stick around for additional magnification views (on the good side).

    I have not had any follow up physical breast exams by my doctor. But, a good idea!

    I have never had an MRI. I read recently that having an MRI after 3 years is a good idea to check for leakage of the implants. It may have been on the link from the moderators, actually. I will be requesting an MRI this week.


    Dx 10/06/2005, DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 2/3 with comedo-necrosis; Also ER+/PR+, if I recall.

    NO Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection

    Surgery 04/07/2005 Mastectomy; Insertion of Tissue Expander (Left); Removal of fibroadenoma (Right)

    Surgery 29/12/2005 Lattisimus Dorsi due to failed reconstruction with tissue expander.

    Surgeries - June 2006 - Jan 2011 - Reconstructive "improvements"


    Thanks again for your replies, all. I appreciate it. Best Wishes.


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