CosBeauty Magazine #85

INTERFERENCE WITH
MAMMOGRAPHY
Depending on where the implant
is placed, breast augmentation may
interfere with the ability of an x-ray
to ‘see’ all the breast tissue, and
therefore can hinder the success
of a mammogram. Women with
breast implants should therefore
choose a facility that has technicians
experienced in obtaining reliable
mammograms from those who have
had breast augmentation.
Repeated studies have shown
there is no delay in the diagnosis
of breast cancer in women with
breast implants compared to women
without implants.
Women should inform technicians
of the age of their implants before
mammography, as the age of the
implant increases the risk of rupture
during mammography.
Recently, there have been media
reports about a rare type of cancer
linked to breast implants: anaplastic
large cell carcinoma (ALCL).
Breast-implant associated ALCL
is not the same as breast cancer;
it is a rare type of lymphoma that
develops in the fluid surrounding
breast implants, not in the breast
tissue itself.
Current expert opinion is that the
risk of contracting breast-implant
associated ALCL is about one in
5,000 women with implants. By
comparison, the risk of breast cancer
is one in eight.
The majority of cases are cured
with the removal of implants and
the fibrous capsule around them from
both breasts.
If there are changes in your breasts
associated with breast implants, and
especially if there is general swelling
or a lump, contact your specialist for
further investigation.
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