Mammogram & Breast Augmentation. Can Implants Obscure the View During Mammograms?

My question has to do with breast cancer detection and augmentation. When I had my last mammogram the radiology tech said that the implants can obscure the view of tumors/cancer that a mammogram would normally pick up. Have studies been done on this? Thanks!

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Coco in Boston in Boston, MA

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Yes, MRI and ultrasound can add additional information

Hello, Yes, the very nature of mammograms makes having a breast implant result in less visibility of the breast tissue. Other techniques such as MRI and ultrasound do not have this issues and can be used instead of the mammogram or in addition to the mammogram for additional information. I am not sure when the transition will occur but is makes sense that at some point mammograms may take a back seat to MRI and/or US since these techniques do not expose the breasts to... more

Mammography and implants

Yes, there have been studies that have shown that implants can mask some tissue on mammography. MRI is probably the most sensitive test if there is any thing suspicious.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation and Mammography?

Thank you for the question. Yes, breast implants can decrease the amount of breast tissue visualized on mammography. Nevertheless, mammography remains a useful screening to detect breast cancer. You will find that the mammography centers will use “displacement techniques” to help minimize the interference of breast implants with breast tissue visualization. Sub muscular ( dual plane) breast implant positioning decreases this interference compared to the sub... more

Mammogram and breast implants

The simple answer is yes implants do obscure breast tissue more than native breast mammography. The important aspect of screening is a multimodal approach, ie Clinical exam. There have been some studies that show that implants infact increase clinical detection of lumps because they push the tumour more superficially. Imaging, be that mammogram, USS or MRI biopsy of suspicious lesions I hope this helps.

How do Breast Implants affect Mammography?

Mammography can still be performed with breast implants in place. Mammography technicians are trained to use specialized techniques for women with breast implants that help to image the breast tissue around the curved surface of the implants. Be sure to let the mammography provider know that you have breast implants when you schedule your mammogram. It is not possible to obtain a mammogram by imaging through the implants, only around them. Breast implants therefore potentially do reduce... more

Michael Law, MD

17 reviews

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Mammograms And Breast Implants

Hello, Thank you for an important question. Breast implants do obscure certain breast areas during mammography as they cast "shadow" over the tissue. That being said, mammographers with good experience know how to position their patient and manipulate the breasts implants to cover the entire breast tissue. Also, ultra-sound imaging can be used as an addition or a possible alternative to mammography. In cases of doubt, an MRI will be sufficient to unveil abnormalities with... more

Mammogram & Breast Augmentation. Can Implants Obscure the View During Mammograms?

Thank you for this excellent question. This has been looked at very thoroughly in the medical literature. From the studies I have seen about 1/3 of breast tissue can be hidden by implants on mammogram, resulting in an increased incidence of false-negative (telling a patient the mammogram is normal when it really is abnormal) mammograms. Breast cancer studies of women with implants reported no significant differences in cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, and prognoses, or prediction of... more

Breast Implants and Breast Cancer Screening

Great question. Yes, you are correct. Breast implants can create a "shadow" effect on a standard mammogram hiding 3-5 percent of breast tissue. However, additional views or an additional non-invasive ultrasound can visualize the tissue in the "shadow." If there is any concern beyond that, then an MRI can do the trick. Studies have shown clearly that breast implants do not delay the diagnosis of breast cancer. Implants also do not increase the risk of... more

Breast implants and mammograms

The breast imlplant, saline or silicone will cast a 'shadow' and can obscure a part of the mammogram if not done correctly. Also compression views of the breast are more difficult. All mammography centers should know how to complete additional views to see fully around breast implants, and you should tell the mammographer you have them so a complete study is done.

Breast augmentation and mammograms

Yes, breast implants can obscure some breast tissue for mammograms. Typically, women with breast implants may require additional views to displace the implant so that more of the breast can be visualized; and some studies do suggest that less breast tissue is obscured if the implant is behind the muscle. Despite these limitations, you should continue to get your annual mammograms (make sure that you let the tech or radiologist know that you have implants) and do your monthly... more