Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps (can feel rubbery ducts by areola tho)

Question

I had a baby 4mo ago and bfed for one month. I had breast implants in 2002 and Since I stopped bfeeding I noticed that my left breast feels slightly firmer in places than the one on the right which is very soft. I can feel the edge of my implant in the left breast in the armpit and cleavage areas and I can feel the silicone moving about when I massage. I know I have a wrinkle in this implant already from a previous us. My armpit and edge of breast feels bruised, but is not sore to touch???

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is always recommended to follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. You will need an in person examination to answer your question.

Scott Haupt, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is a hardening and tightening of the capsule (a scar tissue layer that forms around all implants).  It can happen at any time in life after breast augmentation.  The capsule gradually tightens and can draw the implant up, in , or out depending on the forces of the contraction.  Pain, feeling lumps, edges, or sometimes rippling can also happen.  Specific lumps can also be silicone that is loose in the pocket or capsule from a ruptured silicone implant that has moved outside the capsule through a small tear in the capsule.Almost all of capsular contractures and lumps from the edge of implants or silicone are benign, but should lead a person to have the capsule removed and implants and any extra silicone removed.  Another implant can then be placed.  This takes more time than the original augmentation and is best handled by a plastic surgeon with experience.There is a rare case of lymphoma in the implant pocket, but this has happened less than a couple of hundred cases.  It usually shows up as a marked swelling of the breast with an enlarging fluid collection in the implant pocket called a seroma.  A board certified plastic surgeon can help in this case as well with the information at our disposal from our national society, ASPS.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question though a full examination is needed.  You have older implants and obviously a problem with your left one so see your surgeon and get his recommendations.Dr Corbin

William A. Terranova, MD (retired) · Answer

It will not be possible to know anything for certain without a physical exam.  This might be a capsular contracture.  It is very unlikely to be breast cancer, however, so that should not worry you.  Best bet is to be seen by a plastic surgeon.

Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps (can feel rubbery ducts by areola tho)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps

Answer: Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps (can feel rubbery ducts by areola tho)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps

Answer: Is this capsular contracture or could it be cancer? I am scared. I have no unusual lumps

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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