Do silicone implants obscure mammograms?
Meet the Experts
Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. is a radiologist and medical director at Johns Hopkins at Greenspring in Baltimore, Maryland. As a breast imaging specialist, she interprets mammography, performs ultrasound and breast MRI, conducts clinical breast exams, and performs the newest image-guided biopsy procedures.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Mary: Do silicone implants used in reconstruction surgery obscure radiographic exploration for recurrence?
- Answer —Cecilia Brennecke, M.D.: X-rays cannot penetrate silicone, so silicone implants do limit our ability to see. This is also true for women who have not had cancer but who have had breast augmentation surgery. But if the implant is placed behind the pectoral muscle, our visibility is not limited. So it is beneficial to have the implant placement behind the area where breast tissue would be.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Screening. Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, breast self-exams, physical exams by a doctor, and other topics related to breast cancer screening.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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