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Mammography: breast implants--types, complications, and adjacent breast pathology
B G Steinbach1, N S Hardt, P L Abbitt
1Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Breast implants, used in 1.5 million US women for augmentation or reconstruction, pose imaging challenges. This review covers implant history, surgical placement, complications, and essential imaging strategies for augmented breasts.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Over 1.5 million women in the US have breast implants.
- Implants are used for cosmetic augmentation and breast reconstruction.
- Augmented breasts present unique challenges for mammography and radiologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and evolution of breast prostheses.
- To discuss surgical approaches and complications associated with breast implants.
- To cover imaging strategies for detecting pathologies in augmented breasts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of breast implant history, surgical techniques, and complications.
- Discussion of imaging modalities and strategies for augmented breasts.
- Presentation of case examples of pathologies in augmented breasts.
Main Results:
- Breast implants can obscure surrounding breast tissue, complicating mammographic interpretation.
- Abnormalities detected in augmented breasts can be related to the implant or native breast tissue.
- A range of fibrocystic and neoplastic conditions can occur in the presence of breast implants.
Conclusions:
- Effective imaging of augmented breasts requires specialized techniques to overcome challenges posed by implants.
- Radiologists must be aware of implant-related complications and native breast pathologies.
- Understanding implant evolution and surgical placement is crucial for accurate interpretation.