Conducting regular mammograms with your doctor is the best way of maintaining health and screening for breast cancer and other abnormalities. This testing is crucial in women’s health and is used as both a preventative measure and one that is used for monitoring the breast area. That being said, some women with breast implants may wonder if they can receive a mammogram. The short answer to this is yes. However, there are certain considerations or other factors added to the exam if you do have breast implants. Let’s discuss what these are and what to expect if you are going to receive a mammogram with breast implants.
Can You Get a Mammogram With Breast Implants?
As stated above, you can, in fact, receive a mammogram with breast implants. That being said, there are certain additional steps you should take or consider expecting when receiving one. For starters, it is highly important to alert your doctor when you do have breast implants before a mammogram. Beyond your doctor, at the exam you will also want to tell the radiologist and technologist of this as well. This may require slightly different techniques to be used in order to obtain accurate imaging.
One other added feature to receiving a mammogram with implants is the need for more imaging. Due to the implants blocking some key areas of the screening, a doctor will often usually take four extra pictures, two on each side, but could take more dependent on the scenario. Considering more views are required, a doctor may attempt to perform an implant-displaced image, in which the implant is pushed against the chest wall and the breast tissue is pulled forward for better imaging. This is a standard procedure for patients with breast implants.
There is always the potential for additional imaging, such as an MRI, if the implants are causing major complications for accurate screening of the breast tissue or if there is a need for clearer imaging to address a possible concern. Receiving a mammogram with breast implants can be slightly uncomfortable, but the technologist will work to ensure to minimize discomfort during the exam. As you can see, it is very possible and highly recommended to continue mammogram screening if you have breast implants. You may have a few extra steps, but the screening is very much worth the extra hassle.
How Often Should You Have A Mammogram?
Risk factors for every patient may dictate a different cadence of receiving a mammogram. But generally, there are certain recommendations for women of different ages, with assessments even being recommended as young as age 25. The most common are:
- Ages 40-44: Optional annual mammograms should be considered.
- Ages 45-54: Annual mammograms are suggested during this time period.
- Ages 55 and older: Every two years is recommended, but annual screenings can still occur based on both patient preference and doctor suggestions.
Some risk factors will also dictate how often you should receive a mammogram. Some of them include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Genetic mutations
- Radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30
- Dense breast tissue
- Genetic mutations
- Overall health status
Determining how frequently you receive mammogram screenings will be done between you and your doctor. Mammograms are crucial to catching early-stage breast cancer and other abnormalities and can literally be life-saving. Taking them seriously and performing your recommended screening will keep you safe and ensure you are monitored in good health.
Can A Mammogram Damage Breast Implants?
There is often the question of if a mammogram can pop a breast implant. There are very small risks to both implant rupture and implant displacement when a mammogram is done. During the compression of implants in a mammogram, there is a small risk for the implant to rupture or move from where it should be. To minimize these risks, technologists are trained in obtaining the imaging needed for the exam while also being gentle with you as a patient. Additionally, clear communication about the implants you have before a mammogram helps minimize any risk of damage before an exam.
Am I At A Higher Risk For Breast Cancer Because Of My Breast Implants?
Studies currently suggest there is no actual increased risk of developing breast cancer due to breast implants. There is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can develop around the tissue and fluid of breast implants, but the risk is extremely low. Furthermore, breast implants can make screening for breast cancer more complicated. That being said, studies show that implants do not lead to higher risks of breast cancer development.
Mammogram Imaging With Implants
Receiving frequent mammograms with breast implants is crucial to long-term cancer screening and overall health. While there may be a little bit more involved in a screening with implants, they are still highly recommended. Your breast implants should not deter you from this vital imaging. Learn more about breast cancer screening and why it is so important throughout the MagView website.
![shutterstock_1299510538-[Converted]](https://magview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_1299510538-Converted.jpg "monitoring breast density")
