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Breast implants make it more difficult to
detect breast cancer on mammogram films, though they do
not necessarily lead to later cancer diagnoses, according to a recent study. Radiologists
have long known that breast implants obscure breast tissue on mammogram films, making them
more difficult to spot cancer or other abnormalities.
In the study, Diana L. Miglioretti, Ph.D. of Group Health Cooperative, University of
Washington, and colleagues compared the detection rates of breast cancer in women with and
without breast implants. They found that breast implants decreased the sensitivity of
mammography. That is, radiologists missed some breast abnormalities on mammogram films due
to the implants. However, the researchers found that the implants did not lead to
diagnoses of more advanced stages of breast cancer.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that approximately 270,000 women
underwent surgery to increase their breast size in 2002. The majority of women who undergo
breast augmentation are between 19 and 34 years old.
Women may consider having their breasts enlarged for several different reasons:
- To make the breasts more proportionate with the body and enhance self-esteem
- To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
- To reshape or enlarge breasts that have lost their shape from breast-feeding or aging
- To balance asymmetrical breasts (breasts that differ significantly in size or shape)
- To reconstruct the breast contour after breast removal surgery (mastectomy)
Women with breast implants should follow the same program of recommended mammograms as
women without breast implants (see below). The x-rays used for mammographic imaging of the
breasts cannot penetrate silicone or saline implants well enough to image the overlying or
underlying breast tissue. Therefore, some breast tissue (approximately 25%) will not be
seen on the mammogram, as it will be covered up by the implant. In order to visualize as
much breast tissue as possible, women with implants typically undergo additional mammogram
views.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute mammography screening guidelines are as follows :
- All women 40 to 49 years of age should undergo mammography every one to two years.
- All women 50 years of age and older should undergo mammography every year.
Women 20 years of age and older are typically advised to receive regular physical breast exams, performed by a
healthcare provider, and practice monthly breast self-exams. In
many cases, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chances that it can be
successfully treated.
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