Presentation
Routine follow-up.
Patient Data
Previous right mastectomy indicated by an absent right breast shadow.
No lung nodules, masses or consolidation.
No pleural effusion.
Normal major airways, hila, heart and bones.
Case Discussion
The classic appearance of a normal chest radiograph with a previous history of mastectomy.
A good rapid film that tests radiologists' ability to identify absent anatomical structures. When faced with an apparently normal radiograph, one has to visit the 'review areas', which include the lung apices, retrocardiac region, subdiaphragmatic region and soft tissues 1.
It is a disciplined practice to actively assess for symmetry of breast shadows since the non-visualization of one breast shadow prompts the radiologist to search for evidence of breast cancer and its sequelae (e.g. metastatic disease, treatment-related complications) 2.
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