Mammograms and Breast Implants

Mammograms and Breast Implants

Mammograms and Breast Implants

Many patients who undergo breast enlargement in Indianapolis are concerned about whether their breast implants will impact cancer detection. For example, they may wonder whether their implants will obscure mammogram images, making it harder to detect cancerous growths early enough for them to be treated. Many women also worry about implants rupturing because of the mammogram's compression force on the breast.

Do implants make cancer detection more difficult?

It is generally understood in the medical community that breast implants can obscure MRI or mammogram images, but does this mean that women should avoid breast implants? The reassuring reality: mammograms are very effective when women have implants, although special considerations must be made in order to ensure thorough evaluation. Mammogram technicians usually take additional images from other angles when women have implants. To enable better detection, the breast implant is often pushed back against the chest wall to give a clearer picture. Because women with implants need more images, which take more time, they should always inform their technicians about their implants before the appointment.

Will mammograms have adverse effects on implants?

There have been several studies done to determine if mammograms cause implant ruptures when the breast is compressed. Most studies show a slight increase in the chances of an implant rupturing as the implant ages, but the numbers are still very low. If the implant ruptures, it is best to remove the implant and replace it. When saline implants rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body with no harmful effects on the body. When silicone implants rupture, it is important to remove the implant before scar tissue develops, but there is no evidence to suggest ruptured silicone implants cause any long-term health problems.

Are mammograms with implants a bad idea?

Undergoing mammograms after breast enhancement in Indianapolis can actually be a very good idea. Often an implant rupture can go unnoticed, especially with silicone implants which do not look "deflated" after rupture as saline implants do.

With silicone implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that an MRI occur for surveillance imaging 3 years after implantation, and then every other year after that to look for silent ruptures. In addition, they recommend that women over 40 continue to get yearly mammograms.

Despite the special allowances made for implants during mammograms, women with implants should still follow the same guidelines for cancer screenings as women without implants. Complementing the FDA's recommendations, the American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 receive yearly or bi-yearly mammograms to check for cancerous growths. For women at a higher risk for breast cancer, the ACS recommends regular scans starting at an earlier age.

If you're unsure what to do or have more questions about mammograms, discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine the right decision for you.

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