Multimodality Imaging of Breast Cancer Recurrence Post Breast Conservation Therapy

To describe the difference between recurrent and primary breast cancer, define and review the expected breast imaging findings after breast conservation therapy and oncoplastic reconstruction, provide current imaging recommendations for patients with a personal history of breast cancer, and provide a case-based review of imaging features of breast cancer recurrence on mammography, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, contrast-enhanced mammography, and molecular breast imaging after breast conservation therapy.

An increasing number of patients undergo breast conservation therapy due to the evolution of breast cancer treatment. New functional imaging modalities, such as contrast-enhanced mammography and molecular breast imaging, have recently become part of the expanding repertoire of breast imaging modalities that can be utilized in screening patients after breast conservation therapy.

As surgical techniques for breast cancer have evolved, more patients are undergoing breast conservation therapy with oncoplastic reconstruction. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is critical in guiding the appropriate management of breast cancer recurrence as it impacts treatment decisions, prognosis, and patient outcomes. Breast radiologists should have knowledge of expected postoperative imaging findings and of findings that are suspicious for recurrence on all available breast imaging modalities.