Since the breast implant is opaque to x-ray (it looks completely white on mammogram and tissue located behind the implant cannot be seen) it is possible that the implant may hide cysts, lumps or calcifications (small specs of white calcium deposits that may normally present in the breast but may also indicate breast disease).  The radiologist performing the mammogram will obtain a complete view of the breast tissue with special techniques, including the implant displacement techniques.  Implants that are placed behind the pectoralis muscle tend to hide less breast tissue because the implant can be moved more easily away from the breast tissue during the mammogram. … [Read more...]

It is extremely unlikely that a mammogram would break a breast implant.  A saline implant that has developed a thin area while constricted by a tight capsule may be broken by the pressure applied during a mammogram, but that is extremely unlikely.  The reports of implants “broken” during mammograms usually refers  to silicone filled implants that were broken or leaking but before the mammogram.  In this case,  the silicone was contained within the implant capsule,  and so the breast maintains the same shape until the capsule itself (the thicker layer of breast tissue scar surrounding the breast implant) is injured by pressure during the mammogram. … [Read more...]

  Breast implants will hide a portion of breast tissue in a mammogram.  However, the amount of breast tissue covered by the implant varies from person to person.  In general, the best option for mammograms if you have breast implants are: Digital mammography.  This technique is much more accurate and can be used with comparatively less amount of x-rays MRI.  This is a more expensive option but may be best in the case of:  silicone filled breast implants women with very dense and cystic breasts … [Read more...]