Breast Screening Issues for Women With Breast Implants

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.

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