Surveillance mammography following the treatment of primary breast cancer with breast reconstruction: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Both the prevalence of breast cancer and the number of breast cancer patients seeking breast reconstruction are increasing, highlighting the importance for evidence to direct the clinician in the follow-up of these patients. Current practice guidelines recommend surveillance mammography of the contralateral breast in all breast cancer patients, and of the ipsilateral breast in women treated with breast-conserving surgery. However, there are no guidelines specifically addressing the role of surveillance mammography for women who have undergone mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies specifically addressing the issue of surveillance mammography among women with breast reconstruction following treatment for primary breast cancer.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified eight articles, consisting of case reports and case series, that address the issue of surveillance mammography of the ipsilateral breast in women with breast reconstruction. The articles demonstrated that certain local recurrences are able to be detected by surveillance mammography.

CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated the paucity of evidence and highlighted the need for further research to evaluate this issue.