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Would my recent CT lung scan identify a recurrence years after my mastectomy?

A MyBCTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭

I had stage 3 breast cancer, lumpectomy, radio therapy and chemotherapy in 2011. In 2023 my cancer returned in the same breast and I had a mastectomy.

August 17
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A MyBCTeam Member

Ask about having PET scans. It's similar to a CT scan. They inject you with a radioactive sugar substance that makes any cancer spots light up on the scan results. I've had cancer 6 times now. Since I started getting PET scans after the 3rd cancer the PET scans have found my 3 most recent cancers sooner than they would have shown up on a regular CT scan.

August 17 (edited)
MyBCTeam

Given your history of stage 3 breast cancer and a recurrence leading to mastectomy, it's completely understandable to want clarity on what your CT lung scan can detect.

A CT lung scan can help identify a distant recurrence — meaning cancer that may have spread to the lungs. This is one of the areas breast cancer can travel Show Full Answer

Given your history of stage 3 breast cancer and a recurrence leading to mastectomy, it's completely understandable to want clarity on what your CT lung scan can detect.

A CT lung scan can help identify a distant recurrence — meaning cancer that may have spread to the lungs. This is one of the areas breast cancer can travel to after a mastectomy. However, a CT lung scan alone won't cover all possible recurrence sites. Breast cancer can also return in areas such as:

- The chest wall or mastectomy scar (local recurrence)
- Nearby lymph nodes around the armpit, collarbone, or neck (regional recurrence)
- Bones, liver, or brain (distant recurrence)

Because of your stage 3 history and prior recurrence, your care team may recommend a broader monitoring plan, which could include MRI, ultrasound, or bone scans alongside your CT results. It's really important to share your full history with whoever ordered the CT scan, and ask your oncologist directly whether additional screening is recommended for your specific risk profile. You deserve a thorough, personalized follow-up plan. 💛

August 17

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