HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Breast Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent
Exams and Tests
Regular checkups
After you've been treated for breast cancer the first time, you will have regular checkups to be sure that the cancer has not returned. You and your doctor will talk about how often you will need checkups. Your checkups may include a physical exam, a Reference clinical breast exam (CBE), or a Reference mammogram. An Reference MRI of the breast may also be used.
Diagnostic tests
If your doctor thinks that breast cancer has come back or spread, you may have other tests, including:
- Blood tests, such as a Reference complete blood count (CBC). These help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or weight loss.
- Tissue tests, such as a Reference biopsy Opens New Window.
- Imaging studies, such as Reference abdominal ultrasound, Reference bone scan, Reference chest X-ray, Reference CT scan, or Reference MRI.
For more information on exams and tests, see the topic Reference Breast Cancer.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 22, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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