The limited value of routine chest X-ray in the follow-up of stage II breast cancer.
In 280 patients with stage II breast cancer, chest X-ray was performed at 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter to the 6th year or until recurrence, another cancer was detected, the patient refused further follow-up or died. Among 1289 scheduled chest X-rays, malignant changes were found in 20 patients, of which only 3 had pulmonary symptoms. In a further 14 patients malignant changes were suspected, but follow-up examinations could not prove malignancy. 26 patients presented within 12 months after the last scheduled X-ray with pulmonary symptoms and a work-up chest X-ray revealed malignant changes. Thus, in only 1.3% of the scheduled X-rays were unsuspected malignant changes diagnosed. Median survival of patients with malignant chest X-rays found at scheduled controls versus between scheduled controls did not differ significantly (P = 0.26). It is concluded that routine chest X-ray is not indicated in patients with stage II breast cancer.
Løgager
V B
VB
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Vestergaard
A
A
Herrstedt
J
J
Thomsen
H S
HS
Zedeler
K
K
Dombernowsky
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies