What types of mammographic changes may be seen after breast conservation?
Surgical therapy and radiation therapy often result in tissue distortion and edema. Other findings include skin thickening and trabecular thickening. The first mammogram after completion of therapy serves as a baseline study for the patient. Post-therapy changes, such as the degree of skin thickening and distortion, should remain stable or improve over time. If the post-treatment findings worsen, then there should be concern for recurrent disease and further evaluation is needed.
