Jyoti Priya Deonarine (RR)
Recently, I had a 42-year-old patient in clinic who asked me a very important question, "Can women with breast implants do mammograms?"Breast augmentation can be either cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It is done to help a woman's self-esteem by increasing the shape, size and appearance of their breasts, be it after breast cancer surgery, weight loss, breastfeeding, or just wanting fuller breasts.
This surgery involves placing implants behind or in front of the chest muscle in the breast area. These devices (implants) do not pose any threat to the breastfeeding process nor has any relationship to causing breast cancer.In a previous article by Dr Rajendra S Rampaul, (consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialist Centre) on "implant leakage," he indicated the improved grade of implants used which are robust and safe and has FDA approval in the US and a CE mark for the Europe standard.
Digital mammography has now enhanced the breast imaging dynamics, allowing better assessment of covered and non-covered tissue in augmented breasts without the need for additional exposure.
Digital imaging has increased sensitivity, demonstrating fine details and subtle soft-tissue masses which aids in early breast cancer detection. The same two views for each breast taken for a regular mammogram is done with implants as well as additional views with the implants displaced can be done.
Women are under the impression that this is a painful process and can cause harm to their implants, however that is a myth. Compression is used in mammography but it is no way linked to "implant rupture" or causes any additional pain. With digital mammograms the process is painless because the pressure is far less.
So to answer the question posed to me by my patient, the answer is "yes!" Mammograms are recommended for women with implants and should also be accompanied with a breast ultrasound.
According to the American Cancer Society, women over the age of 40 years with or without implants should have their mammograms done annually. Some patients have asked whether an ultrasound assessment can be done in lieu of the mammogram, my answer is "no." The ultrasound has many limitations when it comes to breast cancer screening and detection, hence it is done together with a mammogram to complement each other especially if you have dense breast.
Having implants does not reduce your chances of developing breast cancer, therefore screening is still very important. Women who are under age 40 with implants should also have regular breast examinations done as well as have your doctor routinely check your implants.
–Jyoti Deonarine (RR), mammographer, Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists Centre, Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain