Checking your breasts after breast reconstruction

You cannot develop breast cancer in any fat or muscle moved into your breast from another part of your body. But there is a small chance of breast cancer developing in any breast tissue left under the skin or in the skin left behind.

So, it is important to continue checking your natural breast and your reconstructed breast for any abnormal areas or changes. Your doctor will also regularly examine your breasts after your reconstruction.

After risk-reducing breast surgery there will be a small amount of breast tissue remaining so you should still check your breast area regularly.

It may take time to get used to the look and feel of your reconstructed breast. Ask your nurse to show you how to check your breasts. They can also give you leaflets to remind you what to do.

Things to look out for include:

• breast tissue that feels different – for example, harder or tighter
• anything that feels different in your reconstructed breast – for example, feeling swollen or firmer, harder or tighter
• a change in the appearance or shape of a breast (reconstructed or natural)
• a change in the skin’s texture – for example, puckering, dimpling, a rash or thickening
• a lump or lumpy area you can feel in the breast or armpit
• a change in the appearance or colour of the breast
• a rash or change along the scar line
• swelling of the upper arm
• discharge from the nipple (if not removed)
• a rash or swelling on the nipple or the areola (if not removed)
• pain or discomfort.

These changes may not be caused by cancer. But it is important to tell your nurse or doctor if you find anything that worries you. They will examine you and arrange tests to check for anything unusual. These can include an ultrasound, MRI scan or biopsy.