Follow-Up of Patients with Breast Cancer: Imaging of Local Recurrence and Distant Metastases

Abstract

In patients with breast cancer surveillance strategies play an important role. The aims of any follow-up are to detect early local recurrence or contralateral breast cancer and to diagnose and treat cancer and/or therapy-related diseases such as metastases and osteoporosis. Mammography every 1–2 years is the only recommended evidence-based imaging modality during follow-up. Current guidelines recommend against routine use of laboratory or imaging tests to detect asymptomatic metastases during staging or follow-up after breast cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this chapter is to address the role and effectiveness of imaging modalities in the staging and surveillance of patients with breast cancer after primary therapy.