How likely is a secondary case of breast cancer in women

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- In a particularly fascinating conversation with Mount Sinai Breast Surgeon, Dr. Christina Weltz, we discuss the likelihood of cases like mine.

Dr. Weltz went back decades within the institution of Mount Sinai, to research the number of secondary cases of breast cancer in women who had mastectomies.

"I'm looking at new breast cancers that develop after a mastectomy, that are arising in what we call retained breast tissue," said Dr. Weltz. "And what I mean by that, is that the mastectomy did not remove all of the breast tissue."

Dr. Weltz explained that the phenomenon is relatively uncommon.

"It's frustrating that I predict we're going to see more of this in years to come," she said. "I think we're pushing the boundaries with regard to how we're doing the mastectomy. The things that have evolved in the last decade or so, are not bad things -- if they can be done properly."

Dr. Weltz hopes patients are more aware of this phenomenon, so doctors can do a better job of following people in the long term.

"Even though this is a rare phenomenon... this is a devastating thing for the individual that is affected," said Dr. Weltz. "It's something that simply should not happen."

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