Value of chest radiography in follow-up of treated breast carcinoma.

We reviewed the clinical records and over 1900 chest radiographs of 218 patients with carcinoma of the breast. The patients were treated with surgery and radiation therapy. During the two-year follow-up pathological signs were seen in the chest radiographs of 103 patients (47%). Irradiation changes were found in 51 patients (23%); in 28 patients (13%) there were pulmonary metastases; and eleven patients had metastases of bony thoracic cage. 36% of patients with metastases had no symptoms. In eight patients other unexpected findings were observed, such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Obviously, periodical chest radiographs are beneficial and advisable in the follow-up of patients with carcinoma of the breast.