Is it worth having my lymph nodes removed that have pip silicone in them?

Question

My consultant said she would remove them but the are risks, am worried if I don't that something in the future could happen due to this silicone in my body. Am I more at risk leaving them there or removing them? I have new safer implants now!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It sounds like you have had the PIP implants removed and new safer ones replaced. It sounds that at the time of surgery you decided not to have the lymph nodes removed and are now concerned that you have made the correct decision.The decision to treat lymph nodes is controversial. Where lymph nodes are symptomatic it is worth removing them. If they have been simply picked up on a scan and are small and asymptomatic then removing them is probably not necessary. No-one truly knows what the effect of having silicone in the lymph nodes is and currently we do not feel that there are any risks. Removing silicone lymph nodes does not mean that one has removed all the silicone in your body. Removing lymph nodes is not a simple procedure and may be more risky than the unknown potential effects of leaving PIP silcone lymph nodes in place. The anatomical location of lymph nodes is also a consideration, also the number of silicone lymph nodes. In some cases they are easy to remove technically and in other scenarios very difficult. This is a difficult decision and I would consult with your PS again for reassurance.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

With ruptures PIP implant, and silicone in the lymph nodes. It is prudent to remove the implant with the capsule wit or without replacement with another type of implant. As for the lymph nodes, attempting to remove the lymph nodes would destroy the normal lymphatics and cause more disruption and problems.Samir Shureih MD. FACSsshureih@msn.com

Is it worth having my lymph nodes removed that have pip silicone in them?

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Is it worth having my lymph nodes removed that have pip silicone in them?

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