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Calcification of breast implant capsule
V L Young1, T Bartell, J M Destouet
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Southern Medical Journal
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Bilateral capsular calcification is a rare complication of augmentation mammoplasty, potentially masking breast cancer. Surgical removal and submuscular implant placement are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Augmentation mammoplasty involves breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.
- Capsular contracture is a known complication, leading to breast hardening and pain.
- Pericapsular environment alterations are implicated in implant-related complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of bilateral capsular calcification following augmentation mammoplasty is presented.
- Calcification occurred within the fibrous capsule surrounding the breast implants.
- The condition mimicked or obscured malignant breast calcifications on imaging.
Findings:
- The pathogenesis is poorly understood but linked to silicone and Dacron materials.
- Capsular calcification can exacerbate symptoms of capsular contracture.
- This complication poses diagnostic challenges for breast cancer screening.
Implications:
- Early recognition of capsular calcification is crucial for accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention, including capsule removal and submuscular implant repositioning, is advised.
- Further research into the etiology of capsular calcification is warranted.