Bilateral breast cancer is when tumors develop in both breasts of the same patient.
However, it is a relatively uncommon cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of synchronous bilateral breast cancer consists of cancer signs and symptoms in both breasts.
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While mammography is the standard screening tool for breast cancer, mammography also has its limitations.
Mammograms vary in sensitivity and have been shown to miss detection of bilateral breast cancer.
Further imaging byMRI (magentic resonance imaging) screeningmay be indicated to identify and diagnose bilateral breast cancer.
However, bilateral MRI is not the current standard of practice.
This is because MRI screenings have not been proven to reduce breast cancer deaths.
If you believe you are at high risk, speak with your doctor about screening for bilateral breast cancer.
However, this treatment is controversial because bilateral mastectomy is not proven to decrease death from breast cancer.
Prognosis
There is conflicting evidence about the survival rate for bilateral breast cancer.
Some reports suggest higher mortality when compared with unilateral breast cancer, while others report similar survival rates.
If you believe you are at risk, speak with your doctor about screening for bilateral breast cancer.
Early detection and tailored treatment will improve your prognosis.
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