Mammographic considerations for patients undergoing ancillary surgical procedures in the breast: A need for pre- and postoperative mammograms

Mammographic evaluation of the pre- and postoperative breast has been prima rily emphasized for patients undergoing diagnostic breast biopsies and brea st-conserving surgery. There is limited literature addressing ancillary sur gical procedures involving breast tissue that may complicate mammographic e valuation of the breasts during breast cancer screening. We present mammogr aphic diagnostic dilemmas after ancillary surgical procedures in the breast . The placement and removal of devices, such as central venous access ports and pacemakers, may result in scarring that may appear suspicious for mali gnancy on mammography. In addition, the placement of devices can obscure le sions that are being followed mammographically. These cases illustrate the need for the application of a basic principle of breast surgery, that of pr e- and postoperative mammography, to ancillary surgery of the breast to all ow optimal mammographic evaluation of women who are breast screening candid ates.