Cancerbackup: Mammography

Skip the page content navigation if you do not require links to content sections within this page.

Page Content Navigation

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner

Want to speak to a specialist cancer nurse? Call free on 0808 800 1234


Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Primary navigation


Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Mammography after breast reconstruction

After mastectomy, mammograms are not usually necessary for the reconstructed breast, but you will be invited to have mammograms on the other breast every 1–2 years. If you have had partial breast reconstruction or a miniflap, these do not interfere with x-rays and may make the breast tissue more easy to check on x-rays.

If you are ever worried that your cancer has come back in the reconstructed breast, an examination by your surgeon, MRI scan, ultrasound or biopsy can diagnose any abnormalities.

Silicone or saline implants hide part of the breast during mammography, but experts believe that any cancer around an implant is still simple to detect using ultrasound. Your doctor can advise you on how any possible recurrence of cancer will be found.


Content last reviewed: 01 August 2005
Page last modified: 09 January 2006

The best cancer information for everyone
Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan Cancer Support. We will be providing the same high quality, expertly developed information about cancer and now we can make it available to everyone who needs it.

Related information