Q: What is the impact of breast implants on mammograms?
Dr. Donnica: While breast implants are not causally associated
with an increased risk of breast cancer per se, they are known to interfere
with mammogram screening. Several studies have documented that breast implants
impair the ability of mammograms to diagnose malignant breast tumors. One study
attempted to quantify the amount of breast tissue blocked by implants during
mammograms: it ranged from 22% to 83%. Some physicians suggest that because
of this interference with mammogram quality, patients with breast implants who
are then diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced
stage and therefore have a worse prognosis.
