Usefulness of mammography and ultrasound for the evaluation of myocutaneous flap-reconstructed breasts

Abstract

Breast reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps has been widely used in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer with significant improvement in esthetical results, which also helps to improve self-esteem of the patients as it minimizes the feeling of mutilation, without changing disease prognosis. Previously, it was believed that there was no risk of recurrence in the reconstructed breast due to the complete removal of breast tissue. However, histological studies have shown that a small amount of glandular tissue may remain after mastectomy, with a high potential for malignancy. Clinical follow-up of mastectomy patients is recommended as most recurring lesions occur at the flap margins and can be detected by palpation. In addition, the inclusion of mammographic and ultrasound monitoring has been proposed for the follow-up of patients as these methods may contribute to the diagnosis of recurrent lesions before they become palpable.