Postoperative recurrence or metastasis of breast cancer is the most worrying and fearful thing for most patients. Today Xiaobian will talk to you about this topic.
1
Why do I need a review after surgery?
First of all, breast cancer patients should regularly assess the state of the body after surgery, assess the recovery after surgery, and timely symptomatic treatment to achieve the maximum treatment effect and purpose.
Secondly, through the review of timely and early detection of physical abnormalities, such as recurrence, metastasis, etc., timely symptomatic treatment, prolong the survival period. Regular review is the most effective and direct way to capture signs of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. It is very important in the clinic and cannot be ignored.
2
Review time
In general, the first 2 years after breast cancer surgery is a critical stage, which is more likely to recur, so in the first 2 years after treatment, it is recommended to go to the hospital for re-examination every 3 months;
From the 2nd to the 5th year, the frequency of the review can be reduced to once every six months;
Starting from the 5th year, it is reviewed at least once a year.
3
Inspection items are usually included
For re-examination items, the doctor will generally prescribe it according to your condition, the duration of illness, and the tests you have done before.
First of all, the doctor needs to confirm the diagnosis of the lymph nodes on the affected side, healthy breast, armpits, and clavicle.
Depending on the condition, patients also have a chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound or CT, bone scan, hematological tests (blood routine, biochemistry, tumor markers and sex hormones, etc.).
Based on the results of the above tests, it is decided whether further tests are necessary.
At the time of re-examination every 3 months, the examination items usually include: blood tests (blood routine, blood biochemistry, tumor markers), ultrasonography (breast, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, liver);
Every six months to 1 year, check chest x-ray or chest CT, breast MRI;
It is recommended to check the mammograph once a year (only the contralateral breast if one breast is completely cut), bone scan, skull CT or skull MRI.
Other tests, including gynecological tests, bone density, and sex hormone levels, may also be necessary if endocrine therapy is received.
Those who take tamoxifen and toremifene, through gynecological examination to find out whether there is endometrial thickening and ovarian cysts;
People taking letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane need to have a bone density test because these drugs may cause osteoporosis;
Those who have taken drugs that suppress ovarian function, such as goserelin, should also check the sex hormone levels in the body and guide the use of the drug.
The examination is determined according to the characteristics of breast cancer metastasis, because breast cancer is easy to metastasize to the brain, bone metastasis and lung metastasis, so these three parts must be checked.
In addition, patients need to be reminded that each follow-up consultation should carry the postoperative pathology report, immunohistochemistry, previous treatment records, and CT, X. and laboratory reports, and please be sure to properly keep the above information for a long time.
Overall, although breast cancer is terrible, the diagnosis and treatment technology and postoperative monitoring methods for the disease have also changed with each passing day in recent years.
Due to the overall survival rate after breast cancer surgery, it belongs to a higher category in malignant tumors. Therefore, regular postoperative follow-up is essential for every patient. Attach importance to regular review, improve the quality of life, and enjoy a better life.
(The above suggestions refer to the NCCN Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines and Norms)
Author | Love to carry
Source | Love to carry