Dense breasts and implants. I am a 38 yr old female considering breast implants.

Question

I just had a mammogram done indicating I have dense breast tissue and benign "appearing " calcifications.Id like to know if I need to recheck these calcifications to make sure it's nothing to worry about, also id like to ask does my situation become even more difficult to detect any thing suspicious after implants ? Would an MRI cover the obscurities that perhaps a mammogram might miss ? Im wondering if I am putting myself at more risk for breast cancer detection by getting implants

George Sanders, MD · Answer

Let's take these questions one at a time:- Do you need to recheck the calcifications? Speak with the mammographer about this.- Is it more difficult to detect suspicious areas after augmentation? As long as the implant is placed behindthe pectoral muscle, the scientific studies indicate that any suspicious areas can be detected with imaging. You might want to ask your mammographer, though, for their opinion.- Would an MRI be of value in picking up missed areas on mammogram? The introduction of digital mammography has improved the diagnostic accuracy of mammograms, according to experts in Los Angeles. MRI's are of use in examining an implant for possible leak. Both MRI's and ultrasound are also used in dense breasts in addition to a mammogram.- Do breast implants increase the risk for breast cancer? Numerous studies have shown that breast implants neither increase the risk nor delay the mammographic diagnosis of breast cancer, assuming the implant isbehind the muscle.Have a look at the web link I have provided for the American Cancer Society's position in these matters.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Great question. The simple answer is no, you are not really putting yourself at greater risk by having breast implants placed even though you have dense breast tissue. There are no scientific studies which have linked breast cancer to breast implants. There is no evidence that breast implants increase your risk for late detection of breast cancer nor any autoimmune disease despite some misinformation on the web. Mammographic techniques are simply altered if you have breast implants to image the breasts. In the end, you need to see a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a thorough evaluation and recommendation regarding breast augmentation. Best of luck!

Christopher Costanzo, MD (retired) · Answer

Many women have dense breasts, which usually means that it is slightly more difficult to read the results taken on a mammogram.  You still can have breast implants, since these are not a source of breast cancer.  Best to do submuscular placement.  You could also opt for saline implants which make it easier to read on a mammogram.  Follow-ups, MRI and or mammograms and self exams, all help to keep watch for any signs of breast cancer.

Dense breasts and implants. I am a 38 yr old female considering breast implants.

Answers (3)

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