What are Breast Screening Issues for Women With Breast Implants
Regular breast screening is an important part of health care for women. Breast screening is usually done by mammogram. A mammogram is a procedure in which an X-ray image of the breast is taken.
Abnormalities in the breast, such as growths (tumors) or growths that contain fluid or air (cysts), can be found with a mammogram. Breast implants can make mammograms difficult to do. The implants may affect the result of the mammogram or the evaluation of the results.
Issues with mammograms for women with implants
- The implant can hide or obscure breast tumors.
- The implant, or scar tissue that has formed around the breast implant, may make it difficult to press the breast firmly enough during the exam.
- Reading of the mammogram by the radiologist may be difficult because the implant can make it hard to see the underlying breast tissue.
- The implant may break open during a mammogram (rare).
- Fear that the implant may break during a mammogram may discourage women from having the test.
- Extra pictures may need to be taken during a mammogram to provide a better view of breast tissue.
Alternative screening tests for women with breast implants
Other tests that can be done for women with breast implants include:
- MRI. An MRI allows your health care provider to see through your implants to the breast tissue and chest muscles. MRI is an excellent technique for detecting broken or leaking implants.
- Ultrasound. This uses sound waves to detect broken and leaking implants.
An exam by your health care provider should be done yearly.