Breast cancer can return even after a mastectomy. A mastectomy is a procedure that involves removing the breast tissue and, in some cases, the nearby tissues.

There are three types of breast cancer recurrence: local, regional, and distant.

Local recurrent breast cancer means that the cancer has started to grow in the surgical scar tissue, the chest wall, or the mastectomy flap skin.

Regional breast cancer recurrence refers to cancer that has spread to the areas surrounding the original tumor or the nearby lymph nodes.

Distant breast cancer recurrence occurs when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, brain, and liver. This is called metastatic breast cancer.

To lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence after a mastectomy, a person may also undergo additional treatment, such as:

However, the risk of breast cancer recurrence depends on various factors, such as:

  • the initial size of the tumor
  • how quickly the cancer grew
  • how many lymph nodes were affected

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 5% of people who have undergone a mastectomy will experience breast cancer recurrence on the same side of the chest within 12 years. A 2022 article notes that 5% of people will experience a breast cancer recurrence in the chest wall or armpit within 10 years.

Signs of breast cancer recurrence after a mastectomy include a lump or swelling in the scar tissue, chest, armpit, or around the collarbone. The surrounding skin may change color and texture, and a rash may appear.

If a person notices any symptoms of recurrent breast cancer after a mastectomy, they should contact a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Treatment can involve one of many options, such as:

  • surgery to remove the tumor
  • radiation therapy
  • hormone therapy
  • targeted therapy
  • chemotherapy
Learn more