What should I know about mammography and implants?

Women with breast implants should follow the same American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology screening mammography recommendations for women without breast implants. Mammography of the breast with an implant requires special images to visualize breast tissue that would otherwise be hidden by the implant in standard views of the breast.

The technique for obtaining these special views was developed and first reported in the medical literature by Dr. Eklund in 1989. These views are referred to as implant displacement or Eklund views. With this special technique, the implant is pushed back against the chest wall as breast tissue is pulled over and in front of the implant. (Figs. A&B) The implant is kept out of the field of compression.

Fig. C shows standard oblique (MLO) views of breasts with bilateral implants. Most of the breast tissue is obscured by the implant.
Fig. D shows the same breasts with implant displacement or Eklund views. The implants have been displaced out of the field of compression and are no longer obscuring breast tissue.

The implant displacement views may not be as helpful in women who have firm encapsulation of their implants. The displacement views provide the greatest benefit to imaging breast tissue in women whose implants were placed behind the pectoralis or chest muscle.

The radiologists at PBC believe strongly that the need for additional specialized views and review of the images by the radiologist require patients with breast implants to have diagnostic mammography, rather than routine screening mammography.

You should always inform the imaging facility that you have implants when scheduling your mammogram. You should also inform the radiologist or the technologist performing the exam that you have implants.

Is there a risk of damaging the implant as a result of mammography?

We are unaware of any documented case wherein mammography has been the direct cause of implant rupture. Women with implants should be sure to have their mammograms where the staff has experience in performing the specialized techniques required for imaging augmented breasts.

When will I know the results of my mammogram if I have implants?

Women who have their mammograms performed at PBC, whether or not they have imlants, will know the results of their mammogram before leaving the facility and will have an opportunity to discuss the results and any concerns they may have with the radiologist.