Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Question

I felt a nodule in the left breast, had an ultrasound mammogram. I also do yearly "diagnostic" mammograms. Nothing shows up. I have low white blood cell count. I've been tested (oncologist) for autoimmune diseases, cancer, HIV, everything. I now suffer from iritis, usually caused by inflammation. Eye doctor ordered tests for autoimmune, inflammatory problems, but nothing was found. Is this related to my implants? Should I do an MRI to test the implants? Should I remove implants?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi tavera14, 
  
I understand your concern. However, it is difficult to provide you with an accurate answer to your question with online consult. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon, so you can be properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Any new nodule or breast mass should be worked up by your surgeon to ensure your safety.  It is unlikely that your implants are causing your other symptoms, but talk to your doctors and get an in-person examination of your tissues performed.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

I would be surprised if you had saline implants that had lasted for forty years.  While I have seen some of my dad's patients who have had silicone gel implants for forty years, I have not seen saline implants last that long.  I'm wondering if you actually have silicone gel implants and the nodule that you feel might be from silicone that has leaked from your implant.  You did not mention whether your implants were above or below the chest muscle or whether you have a capsular contracture (thickened scar tissue around the implants causing your breasts to feel firm or look distorted).  My first recommendation before undergoing a lot of expensive tests  would be to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and review your options with you.  If they are actually saline implants then you can leave them in place until they break.  If they are silicone gel implants then I would advise replacing them due to their age.  It is easier to remove silicone gel implants before they break rather than after.  Depending on it's location, the nodule could be removed during surgery or possibly under local anesthesia in the office.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. If you feel a nodule, it should be worked up completely. If it is not seen on mammogram, then you should proceed with ultrasound. If it is not found there but is palpable, it can be biopsied to make sure there is nothing of concern. Once that issue is resolved, you can then address the implants. An MRI is a good study to evaluate the implants, then you can talk with a plastic surgeon about your options. If you are happy with the implants and there is no evidence of problems with them, you may not need anything done at all.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
It is important to have a physician examine you and likely you will need a mammogram as well. 
It could be your implant has hardened at that age. But, you do not want to risk an undiagnosed breast cancer.
See your physician. 
Best of luck.

Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answer: Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answer: Implants are almost forty years old. I think I have saline. I felt a nodule in the left breast. This related to my implants?

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.