J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Feb;30(2):385-392.

Sequential Changes of the Breast after Partial Mastectomy with Irradiation in Breast Cancer: Mamrnographic and Ultrasonographic Findings

• Yoon PH
• Oh KK
• Yoon CS
• Suh CO
• Lee HD
• Chung WH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study is to determine the mammographic and ultrasonographic features of the breasts with partial mastectomy and irradiation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors reviewed the serial studies of 23 patients who had partial mastectomy and irradiation. Mammogram and ultrasonogram were perfomed every 6 months after surgery in all patients. Sixteen of 23 patients took mammogram and ultrasonogram 1 month after surgery additionally. We evaluated skin thickening, edema, new calclfication, and postoperative scar.
RESULTS
Skin thickening was observed in all patients at initial study after surgery and were most pronounced 6 months after surgery. In the most of patients, increased breast density suggesting edema was seen at the initial study after surgery. Skin thickening and edema were most pronounced 6 months who had retumed to normal state 18 months after surgery in 3 of 5 patients who had serial studies until 18 months after surgery. Scars were noted in 20 of 23 patients and 9 of 20 patients had scars 6 months after surgery. The postoperative changes including skin thickening, edema, and scar were most pronounced at 6 months after surgery and had retumed to normal at 18 months after surgery.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that postoperative imaging should be obtained 6 months after surgery, followed by every 6 month intervals, which can be effective in differentiating postoperative scar from recurrent carcinoma and can avoid invasive studies.

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Cicatrix
Edema
Humans
Mastectomy, Segmental*
Skin
Ultrasonography