Breast Implants (1997) new nipple pain - afraid of mammogram - how should I proceed?

Dear Creative100558,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi there. I am very sorry to hear about your daughter and your new onset nipple pain. It is completely appropriate to be concerned with this pain, and I urge you to see your primary care doctor, breast surgeon, or a plastic surgeon as soon as possible to be examined and to schedule any appropriate imaging. Mammogram is not the only imaging modality that can be used to detect cancer or other problems, and in your case it may actually not be the most appropriate modality. There are painless ways to view the breast tissues. So please see your PCP and allow them to help guide you to a diagnosis and treatment. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

They don't need to be replaced; it's a myth. Mammogram is important and you should have one. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Concerns regarding breast implants and breast cancer screening is common among the breast augmentation population.

Here are the facts:
-Mammogram remains the effective screening tool for breast cancer whether or not you have had augmentation

-In light of the increased prevalence of implants/augmentation, breast radiographers have become skilled in obtaining displacement views (Eklund views) and reviewing images with implants in place. Implant type/position should not affect the ability to obtain and review quality screening images.

-There is, within the literature, no documented decrease in the rate of detection among the breast augmentation population.

It is important to mention to your mammographer that you have undergone augmentation prior to your study. I also typically recommend a pre-operative study as a baseline.

With regards to your specific question, if you are set against mammography, MRI is an option. It is a more sensitive test and avoids the compression discomfort of a mammo. However, it is not typically used as a screening study due to its more costly nature. Patients should be aware that in some cases approval will be denied by insurance.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).