MyBCTeam

Yes, breast cancer can still recur even after a mastectomy, though it's not very common. About 5 out of every 100 women who undergo a mastectomy experience a local recurrence within 10 years of their initial diagnosis.

Even though all breast tissue is removed during the procedure, some cancer cells may remain in the body Show Full Answer

Yes, breast cancer can still recur even after a mastectomy, though it's not very common. About 5 out of every 100 women who undergo a mastectomy experience a local recurrence within 10 years of their initial diagnosis.

Even though all breast tissue is removed during the procedure, some cancer cells may remain in the body. These cells can lead to cancer returning in three ways:

* Local recurrence - in the chest area or near the mastectomy scar
* Regional recurrence - in nearby lymph nodes (under the arm, near the collarbone, or along the chest wall)
* Distant recurrence - in other parts of the body like bones, liver, lungs, or brain

The risk of recurrence depends on several factors at the time of your original diagnosis, including whether cancer was found in lymph nodes, tumor size, your age at diagnosis, and the type of breast cancer you had.

It's important to watch for symptoms like changes around your mastectomy scar, new lumps on your chest, skin changes, swollen lymph nodes, or persistent pain. Your cancer care team can help you understand your individual risk and what signs to monitor.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Which Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates?

What’s the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence After Mastectomy? 11 Symptoms To Watch For