The follow-up of post-mastectomy patients: Should the ipsilateral side be assessed with both mammogram and ultrasound?
- Author:
Radhika Sridharan
;
Hartini Baherin
;
Norlia Abdullah
;
Suria-Hayati Mohd Pauzi
;
Zulfiqar Mohd Annuar
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Post-mastectomy;
axillary view;
mammogram;
ultrasound;
followup
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2016;71(5):282-287
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Aim: This study aimed to determine findings of axillary view
mammogram (MMG) and ultrasound (USG) of the ipsilateral
side in post-mastectomy patients and to document difficulty
level in performing the axillary view and patients’ pain level
during the procedure.
Methods: Post-mastectomy patients who had MMG and USG
on follow-up during an 18-months period were included. The
MMG and USG findings of 183 patients were reviewed and
histology results were recorded when available.
Radiographers’ difficulty and patients’ pain level during the
axillary view MMG were charted.
Results: On MMG, 172 cases were normal, eight cases were
benign (Category 2) and three cases indeterminate
(Category 3). On USG, 175 cases were normal, three cases
were benign (Category 2) and five cases indeterminate
(Category 3). Malignant lesions detected in two out of 183
patients (1%) were metastatic carcinoma in bilateral axillary
lymph nodes and leiomyosarcoma at the mastectomy site.
These two cases were Category 3 on USG with negative
MMG findings. In majority of cases (79%), the radiographer
had no difficulty performing the axillary view compared with
contralateral MMG. Majority of patients (80%) experienced
similar pain during axillary view compared to contralateral
MMG.
Conclusion: Follow-up imaging of post-mastectomy patients
should include (i) USG of the mastectomy site, both axillary
regions, and the contralateral breast, and (ii) MMG of the
contralateral side. Ipsilateral axillary view MMG is not
necessary.
- Full text:P020170208363452887988.pdf
