Cancer Research UK main site

To be given the all clear is a scan needed? Breast cancer

Tbeeno
Offline

This week I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. 

I can't help feeling the first time I was diagnosed with cancer I was failed by the nhs which played a part in now having stage 4.

When I first had cancer I had chemo and a mastectomy. During my treatment I wasn't given a ct scan and during the mastectomy they did a biopsy which they said I was clear of cancer. But thinking back should they of done a ct scan?

Anyone here been given an all clear diagnosis what was the process of them knowing you were all clear

  • Offline

    Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. I had chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy then more chemo. I asked about a scan at the end and was told by my oncologist that I wouldn't have any and I'd just have a yearly MRI as the cancer had been taken out at my surgery. They told me they don't scan at the end of treatment as it could be a case of just scanning healthy people. 
     

    I was informed if I felt I needed a scan for any reason I could get a referral through my GP. 

  • Offline

    Hi again, I have already replied on your other post, but have just thought of something else: a scan wouldn't show microscopic cells left behind after chemo, surgery and RT. These cells can lie dormant for years and suddenly become active for reasons the scientists are not sure about. That's why I'm going ahead with RT even though there's was no evidence of cancer in the tissue and lymph nodes they removed. You might want to give the CR or Macmillan helpline a call and talk through your concerns with them. They are brilliant. Amy x

  • Offline

    Hi Tbeeno,

    I am so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Although your breasts were clear after the first surgery, the normal cells can change to cancer at any time.

    After any surgical procedure on the breast, it is best practice to send the tissue removed to pathology. Here they carry out a test to ensure that all of the cancer has been removed and that the surgeon has got clear margins. They also check the cells to ensure that there is no cancer left behind. If clear margins were not obtained, they would carry out further surgery. 

    As Rmscj said, there would be no point in scanning after surgery, as there would be only healthy tissue left.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and on both occasions, my tissue was sent to pathology, but there was no scan immediately after surgery.

    Have you discussed further treatment yet?

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline

    Hi Tbeeno,

    My names Paul  a 63 Yr old male haven had a mid rectal cancerous tumour removed. With regards to your question and treatment   I can tell you this. An MRI or a CT scan does neither confirm or deny that you have or have not cancer. They will detect a mass , and cell divisions within that mass of a certain quantity. A biopsy will detect cancer cells which are NOT dormant , but not a small amount of cells which are dormant. All they should say is that " we have not found any active cancer cells". I was told my operation was potentially a "curative one" as no live cancer cells were found in my biopsies. That's not an all clear. Don't want to burst your bubble but they are masters of double talk insinuation. Ask them outright " what does this mean?". From what you say  mri /ct are an instant non invasive way of identifying a mass  but then you need a biopsy to be more accurate.

    Hope all is well.

    Regards

    Paul.

     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.