This section covers what happens after a breast cancer diagnosis, including the imaging tests used to guide treatment and the follow-up schedule that helps detect any changes over time. These articles are designed for patients who have received a diagnosis and want to understand what comes next.
Articles in this section
Imaging After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
A diagnosis triggers targeted imaging for both local staging (extent within the breast and lymph nodes) and systemic staging (whether cancer has spread). Learn what each scan is for, when it's needed, and why routine whole-body scans aren't recommended for Stage I.
MRI for Extent of Disease Evaluation
Preoperative breast MRI maps the full extent of cancer before surgery. In about 15–16% of newly diagnosed patients, it finds an additional cancer not visible on mammogram or ultrasound - information that can directly change whether lumpectomy or mastectomy is appropriate.
Follow-Up After Lumpectomy or Mastectomy
Post-surgical imaging looks for normal healing changes (seromas, fat necrosis, architectural distortion) and signs of recurrence. Learn what's expected on your first post-operative mammogram, what's concerning, and how your surveillance schedule works by surgery type.
Surveillance Mammography - How Often and Why
Annual mammography after breast cancer treatment is recommended for life by every major guideline. It detects 91–97% of recurrent disease found on imaging. Learn the schedule by surgery type, what your radiologist is actually looking for, and which follow-up tests are explicitly not recommended.
Breast Implants and Imaging
Mammograms are safe with implants and will not damage them. Special Eklund (implant displacement) views allow radiologists to see significantly more breast tissue. Learn the FDA's updated rupture screening schedule for silicone implants, how ultrasound and MRI are used, and what to tell your facility before any appointment.
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Get My Report ExplainedThis service provides educational explanations of radiology reports and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical decisions should always be made in consultation with your physician.