Imaging of the Post-Surgical Breast

Imaging of the post-surgical breast, after surgery for either benign disease or breast cancer, is challenging because many imaging findings mimic breast malignancy. Our facility has established imaging protocols for post-lumpectomy and post-mastectomy patients. In addition to accessory magnification views with mammography, ultrasound and MR imaging have a role in further evaluating the patient with post-surgical changes to rule out breast cancer recurrence. This article also considers the many benign changes that occur after breast surgery, both immediately and over time.