Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgeries involving the placement of implants to enhance breast size and shape. While many individuals opt for this surgery to boost confidence, it has recently become clear that the risks far outweigh the possible benefits. Breast implants can lead to numerous complications, ranging from systemic issues like Breast Implant Illness to implant ruptures and capsular contractures.
However, in recent years, it has also become increasingly evident that breast implants can make it harder to detect breast cancer. Dr. Shaher Khan, a specialist in breast explants/removal at Executive Plastic Surgery, is committed to spreading awareness about the true risks of breast implants and their implications for breast cancer detection. In this article, we highlight the numerous ways that breast implants can make it harder to detect breast cancer.
Interference with Mammography
One of the primary concerns surrounding breast implants is their interference with mammography, the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Implants can obscure a portion of breast tissue, making it challenging for radiologists to detect abnormalities. This can result in delayed diagnosis and potentially poorer outcomes for individuals with breast cancer. Moreover, specialized techniques such as implant displacement views are often required to visualize breast tissue adequately, adding complexity and cost to the screening process.
Increased Risk of False-Negative Results
The presence of breast implants can also lead to an increased risk of false-negative mammography results. Implants can mask the appearance of tumors, leading to missed diagnoses or delayed detection of cancer. The compression applied during mammography may cause the implant to rupture or leak, further complicating the imaging process and reducing the reliability of results. As a result, individuals with breast implants may have a higher likelihood of undetected breast cancer.
Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
Detecting breast cancer at an early stage is crucial for effective treatment and improved prognosis. However, the challenges associated with mammography in individuals with breast implants can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. Delayed detection may allow cancer to progress to more advanced stages, requiring more aggressive interventions and reducing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Risk of Implant-Associated Complications
In addition to interfering with breast cancer detection, breast implants carry their own set of risks and complications. These include capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant displacement, Breast Implant Illness (BII), and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare but potentially life-threatening type of cancer linked to textured implants. Furthermore, individuals with breast implants may experience discomfort, pain, and changes in breast sensation, impacting their overall quality of life.
Importance of Regular Monitoring and Surveillance
Given the challenges associated with breast cancer detection in individuals with breast implants, regular monitoring and surveillance are crucial for maintaining breast health. If you have breast implants, you must undergo regular clinical breast examinations, breast self-exams, and additional imaging modalities like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While breast exams are recommended for all women, the frequency of these exams should be considerably heightened for those with breast implants.
While women often undergo breast augmentation to enhance their physical appearance and improve their bustline, they don’t always realize the true risks associated with the procedure. Furthermore, women with breast implants often report a considerable improvement in their quality of life after breast implant removal. If you’re concerned about the risks of breast cancer and other implant-related risks, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Khan to explore your options to remove implants or explore alternative methods for augmentation.
