Ask An Expert: Mammography After Breast Augmentation

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Mammography After Breast Augmentation

Question:

How is mammography done after a breast augmentation?

Answer:

Women who undergo breast augmentation surgery have similar rates of breast cancer compared with other women. Therefore, they should be equally diligent about screening for breast cancer. Screening is accomplished by a combination of mammography, self-breast exam and breast exams performed by a clinician.

Mammography is performed on women with breast augmentation in a similar manner as it is in women without implants. The one difference is that two additional images are taken on each side while holding the implant to the side so that the breast tissue is optimally seen. There is no reason to fear damage to the implant from a mammogram.

Several studies suggest that implants interfere with the detection of breast tumors, decreasing the sensitivity of mammography. On the other hand, the implants may assist in the detection of tumors by physical examination.

A recent study comparing breast cancer patients with implants to those without showed no difference in the prognosis of the disease between the two groups, a reassuring finding. However, any woman considering breast augmentation surgery should discuss this issue in detail with her physician before making the decision to undergo the procedure.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	May 15, 2007