Mammography and Capsular Contracture? (photo)

Question

I am 35 years old, 12 year old saline breast implants sub glandular placement. I have what seems to be a cystic mass under my areola of my Left breast. I also have III or IV capsular contracture in that breast. My FNP ordered a diagnostic mammogram on the left breast, but I am scared that with the Capsular Contracture and age of my implants that it may cause a rupture and not get a good view anyway. I think ultrasound might be better - but the FNP won't consider it. Drs please weigh in.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would agree that for diagnostic purposes, the sequence in the breast mass for women 35 years and older should be mammography, ultrasound, then MRI, if necessary.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

It is possible for a mammogram to lead to rupture of an implant (especially with a capsular contracture). If this is a concern, get an ultrasound of MRI.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Mammography is a standard part of screening for breast cancer.  Wile cysts also need to be evaluated with an ultrasound, it cannot be subsituted for a mammogram for diagnostic screening.  Both tests give you different information.  While your capsular contractures and the implant are a concern, your breast health is more important.  If you have further concerns, you should consult with an oncologic breast surgeon for addiional advice.  Good luck!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Actually, ultrasound is a better modality to evaluate where a mass is cystic or solid.  But a mammogram is better for looking for microcalcifications, which are a hallmark of breast cancer.

	I probably would have ordered both tests.

	Tell your radiology tech about your concerns.  The risk of implant damage from mammography is low - but unfortunately, it's not zero-risk.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Mammogram first, Ultrasound second, MRI if equivocal.  And biopsy if a mass is identified. Follow closely with your PMD.  Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I ABSOLUTELY recommend a mammogram FIRST than a possible ultrasound. Why play around with the issue of a breast cancer possibility!!!

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

the ultasound is the better test to dettermine if a mass is solild or cystic. They all eventually will need fine needle aspiration or biopsy if suspicious.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a grade III-IV capsular contracture, you should be giving consideration to replacing the implant.  In terms of the mass in the left breast, mammography is the diagnostic procedure of choice for evaluation of that lesion, which should take precedence.  You should, of course, tell the technician that you have implants so she can take as much care as possible.

Mammography and Capsular Contracture? (photo)

Answers (8)

More Capsular Contracture Treatment Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Capsular Contracture Treatment Questions

Can Capsular Contracture Cause Me to Feel Physically Ill?

Clear Discharge from Breast with Capsular Contracture?

Cost to Fix Capsular Contracture?

Any Chance of Capsular Contracture Getting Better on Its Own?

Capsular Contracture During Beginning Stages of Pregnancy- What Are My Options?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS