Breast cancer after augmentation mammoplasty

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Breast implants are suspected to hinder cancer diagnosis.
• Cancers in augmented women may have a worse prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare breast cancer characteristics and outcomes in augmented versus nonaugmented women.
• To evaluate the impact of breast augmentation on cancer detection methods.

Main Methods:

• Prospective breast cancer database review.
• Comparison of augmented and nonaugmented patients based on histology, palpability, tumor size, nodal status, mammographic findings, receptor status, nuclear grade, stage, and outcome.

Main Results:

• Augmented women had more palpable cancers (83% vs. 59%) and nodal involvement (48% vs. 36%).
• Mammography was normal in 43% of augmented women versus 5% of nonaugmented women.
• While differences in invasiveness and nodal status diminished in women under 50, mammography remained suboptimal for augmented patients.

Conclusions:

• Augmented patients present with more palpable cancers, but overall stage and outcomes are comparable to nonaugmented women.
• Mammography is less effective in detecting early breast cancer in augmented women, despite diagnostic improvements over time.