Mammograms are the best early detection method for breast cancer. And contrary to what some people believe, they are essential if you have breast implants. Indeed, regular mammograms for women with implants can help identify issues such as a rupture or leakage. However, because of the materials used to create implants, as well as their placement in the body, a mammogram with breast implants usually requires a few extra steps. The short answer to that question is: Yes, they can.
What makes a mammogram a little trickier with breast implants is the material and the position of the implants. A mammogram technologist needs to be able to see the breast tissue to spot any signs of abnormal growth or variations. However, most breast implants consist of either silicone or saline β materials that make it difficult to see the breast tissue via x-ray.
The gel in silicone implants helps the implant feel more natural, but it blurs the view of the breast tissue behind it. Similarly, the sterile saltwater that fills saline implants ends up obstructing the view of the breast tissue. Request A Screening Mammogram. Though the material is part of what makes breast screening with implants so tricky, the position of the implant also has an effect.
Plastic surgeons place most breast implants either in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. Implants that are in front of the pectorals will inevitably obstruct the view of the muscle and tissue behind. However, implant placement behind the pectoral muscles makes it a little easier for the technologist to capture viable images during the mammogram. The good news is that even if the implant is in front of the muscle, the technologist may be able to move it aside to capture the image of the tissue behind.
Not all technologists can do this successfully, though. A myth about getting mammograms with implants is that women with breast implants should stick to 2D imaging instead of 3D imaging. In reality, 3D imagery is much more detailed , which is far more useful, especially with breast implants, because it allows the technologist to capture accurate, up-close images of the breast tissue.
