Breast implants have been marketed for decades as a way to enhance confidence and body image. Yet, what many women are not told is that breast implants can interfere with one of the most important aspects of their long-term health: breast cancer screening. Not only can implants obscure mammogram images and make it harder to detect abnormalities early, but in some cases, they may also be linked to a rare but serious type of cancer known as breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
At Executive Plastic Surgery in Bloomfield Township, Dr. Shaher Khan, a double board-certified surgeon and nationally recognized specialist in Breast Implant Illness, has dedicated his career to educating women on these risks. In this article, you will learn how implants can affect breast cancer screening and how you can protect your long-term health.
How breast implants affect cancer detection
Breast cancer is most effectively treated when it is caught early. Mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI imaging are the primary tools used for detection. However, if you have implants, they can block part of the breast tissue during imaging. Silicone or saline implants may obscure certain areas, reducing the visibility of suspicious lumps or calcifications.
While radiologists can use specialized views, called implant-displaced techniques, these methods still don’t guarantee a complete look at all breast tissue. This means your mammogram results may appear normal even if small tumors are present. The false sense of security can delay diagnosis, ultimately impacting your treatment options and survival outcomes.
The risk of implant-associated cancers
Beyond the problem of obscured screening, implants themselves may increase your cancer risk in specific ways. The most well-documented concern is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer of the immune system. It develops in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant, not in the breast tissue itself.
BIA-ALCL has been reported more frequently with textured implants, though smooth implants are not risk-free. Some of the most common symptoms of BIA-ALCL include swelling, persistent pain, or fluid buildup years after the original surgery. Left undiagnosed, this type of cancer can progress, but when detected early, the outcomes are far better.
What the FDA and medical societies say
The FDA has issued multiple warnings about breast implants. In 2021, the FDA required manufacturers to include a black box warning (its strongest caution) on all implant packaging. Patients must also be given a checklist outlining risks, including BIA-ALCL, systemic symptoms (called Breast Implant Illness), and the fact that implants are not lifetime devices.
Despite these warnings, implants continue to be on the market. Many medical organizations now emphasize the importance of ongoing screening and also acknowledge the limitations of mammograms in women with implants. This means the responsibility falls on you, the patient, to stay vigilant, ask the right questions, and pursue additional imaging when needed.
Warning signs you should not ignore
If you already have implants, it’s essential to know the red flags that warrant immediate evaluation. These include:
- Swelling or sudden enlargement of the breast
- Persistent pain, tenderness, or pressure that feels new
- Lumps or thickened tissue near the implant
- Fluid accumulation or seroma around the implant pocket
- Unexplained fatigue, rashes, or systemic symptoms
Alternatives to implants and safe removal
If you are considering implants, understanding the risks may lead you to reconsider whether they are worth the long-term consequences. And if you already have implants, choosing safe removal can be one of the most powerful steps you take for your health.
At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher Khan focuses exclusively on implant removal. Through his signature method, The Khan Procedure, he ensures the complete removal of the implant and the surrounding scar capsule. This approach reduces risks, preserves your natural tissue, and helps restore confidence in your health. Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Khan does not place implants or perform fat grafting, staying true to his mission of eliminating foreign devices that can compromise cancer screening and overall well-being.
Take charge of your breast health
Breast health is not something you can afford to take lightly, especially if you have implants. While mammograms and other imaging tools are important, they don’t always tell the full story. Implants can obscure areas of breast tissue, and in some cases, complications may develop in ways that standard screening cannot easily detect. That’s why being proactive and attentive to your own body is essential.
Even if your mammogram is clear, symptoms such as swelling, pain, or changes in shape can point to underlying complications that imaging alone may miss. By taking a more active role in monitoring your health and working with providers who understand the unique risks of implants, you give yourself the best chance of early detection and timely treatment.
If you have implants, you should:
- Inform your radiologist so special imaging views can be taken
- Ask if an additional ultrasound or MRI is recommended
- Monitor your breasts regularly for changes in shape, swelling, or discomfort
- Seek prompt evaluation if you experience symptoms like pain or fluid buildup
- Consider consultation with a surgeon experienced in safe implant removal
At Executive Plastic Surgery in Bloomfield Township, Dr. Shaher Khan is committed to transparency and patient education. Known as the “king of explants,” he offers expert guidance and world-class surgical care for women seeking safe implant removal. If you have implants or are experiencing symptoms, please contact Dr. Khan today to explore your options.
