Generally, women should have a mammogram once per year starting at age 45, though the American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting mammograms at 40 if accessible. Those with higher risk factors, such as the BRCA gene, should begin screening sooner.
However, women with breast implants often believe that mammography cannot work for them. In reality, it is both possible and encouraged to get breast exams, including mammograms, whether or not you have breast implants! Getting a mammogram with breast implants is generally similar to the experience for individuals who do not have implants.
However, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Here is a guide on how mammograms are conducted on people with breast implants and any special considerations to keep in mind.
Can Mammograms Be Done With Implants?
In short—yes, mammograms can be done on patients who have had breast implants. It is best to entrust this service to a healthcare provider with experience doing breast exams and imaging for people who have implants, as the process can be slightly different than it is for individuals with only natural breast tissue. More provider experience means better pictures!
What to Expect During a Mammogram
Patients who have breast implants should plan to tell their doctor at the time they schedule the mammogram. This allows them to be paired with a technician who has the necessary experience and may require a longer appointment time since patients with implants usually need a few more pictures to be taken.
On the day of the appointment, women will prepare for the procedure as normal by avoiding lotions and creams in the torso area and then undressing in the exam room.
During the imaging process, the mammographer will use a skill called implant displacement, in which the implant is gently shifted back toward the chest wall and the breast tissue pulled forward to get the best images without the implant in the way.
Still, because of the implants, most mammographers will need to take a few additional pictures to capture as much of the breast tissue as possible. Thus, patients should expect to spend 10 to 15 extra minutes at most.
When the mammogram is complete, the patient can return to their normal daily activities. The breast implants will remain in their intended position, but patients should report any lingering discomfort to their doctor.
The Risks of Mammography With Implants
Mammography is a safe and effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. However, there are still some minor risks for individuals with breast implants. These include:
- Rupture – While extremely rare, it is possible for the pressure exerted during a mammogram to rupture certain types of breast implants, including saline implants. The best way to reduce this risk is to work with a provider with experience providing mammography to implant patients.
- Capsular contracture – In some instances, tough, scar-like tissue forms around a breast implant after it has been placed. A mammogram can disrupt this tissue, leading to slight visual or textural changes to the breast anatomy.
- Radiation – Because women with breast implants usually need to have more imaging done to capture as much breast tissue as possible, they are exposed to slightly higher levels of radiation. However, this only amounts to a few more pictures and is still well within the safe bounds of what doctors recommend for patients.
While it is true that mammography can pose some minor risks that occur rarely, patients with implants should not be dissuaded. The advantages of mammography for identifying breast cancer early are worth the risk, and many more patients will detect breast cancer than will experience any negative side effect.
Get Your Breast Exams Done Regularly
Mammography is essential in a patient’s toolkit for preserving their long-term health and staying safe from cancer. In fact, individuals who received mammograms on the recommended schedule were 41% less likely to die due to breast cancer and saw a 25% reduction in the severity of breast cancer if diagnosed.
Having breast implants should not discourage patients from seeking out regular screening, though the process may be slightly different compared to those who do not have implants.
If you are overdue for your next breast exam or mammogram, the best time to schedule is now! The professionals at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness understand how to complete high-quality mammography in patients with breast implants. Contact Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness today to schedule your screening!