If it comes back in the other breast?

[steffie999]

My mum had breast cancer approx 5 years ago.  She had a mastectomy and it hadn't spread so she didn't need chemo etc.
She went for her annual mammogram last week and has now recieved a letter asking her to go back in and have another one.  this is what happened last time when she was diagnosed so she is really worried.
If it is back again in the other breast does this mean that it is the same cancer that never went away?  Or a new cancer in the other side.
And are you more likely to have a new cancer in the other side if you have already had it once?
sorry, I have googled but the info I am getting is contradictory?
Thanks
Steph

[bluebutterfly2222]

I am also send along hopes that this is just a fairly routine call-back to get better images.

However, to answer the latter part of your question, some types of cancer are more likely than others to recur in the contralateral breast. Should this turn out to be the case, keep in mind that this is a "better" type of recurrence to deal with than a metastatic recurrence. It can often be dealt with as a new primary tumor and tends to have a better prognosis.

I hope it turns out you don't ever need this information, but meanwhile it may help you get through the wait a little better.

Best wishes to you and your mom...

[steffie999]

Thanks zouzi.  I know the likelihood is that there is nothing to worry about and am trying to remain positive but as you know it can be quite hard!

Just suppose I thought when she had the mastecotomy that was the end of it as the whole breast was gone - bit naive I suppose.

[zouzi]

Hi,
The purpose of a spot compression mammogram is to achieve better imaging of a particular region of the breast.The fact that your mom is being called back, is very common,sometimes is just the skin that has folded over and looks like a shadow.The spot compression will determine if that's the case.
I am afraid that no one can predict what this new suspicion could be.Everything is possible though..including the fact that it could be really nothing to worry about.
I had a malignant tumor removed 2 years ago and I was also called back for a spot compression mammogram.Needless to say that I was as worried as your mom is.
Fortunately it was all clear and I hope that your mom will be okay too.
Best wishes to both of you...