Bella Johnson's blog : What Everyone With Breast Implants Should Know Before Cancer Screening
Breast implants have become increasingly common, offering many women a boost in confidence and self-esteem. However, for those with breast implants, navigating cancer screening, particularly mammograms, requires some additional considerations. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your screenings are both safe and effective.
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The Impact of Breast Implants on Mammograms
Breast implants can obscure mammogram images, making it more difficult to detect abnormalities. Implants, particularly those placed above the muscle, can block some of the breast tissue from view. To address this, radiologists use a technique called implant displacement views (ID views) or Eklund views. This method involves gently pushing the implant back against the chest wall and pulling the breast tissue forward, allowing for clearer imaging of the breast tissue.
Informing Healthcare Providers
It is crucial to inform your healthcare providers, including your radiologist and mammogram technician, about your breast implants before your screening. This information enables them to adjust their techniques and ensure they get the most accurate images possible. Dr. Susan Harvey, Director of Breast Imaging at Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasizes, “Patients with breast implants need to be sure their mammography facility is experienced in imaging women with implants.”
Tips for Navigating Cancer Screening with Implants
Choose the Right Facility: Look for a mammography center experienced in dealing with breast implants. These centers will have technicians trained in specialized techniques necessary for implant displacement views.
Regular Screenings: Despite the challenges, regular mammograms are vital. The American Cancer Society recommends women with implants follow the same screening guidelines as those without.
Self-Exams and Clinical Exams: Conduct regular self-exams and have clinical breast exams performed by a healthcare professional at least once a year. Implants can make it more difficult to feel lumps, so professional exams are especially important.
Discuss Alternatives: In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to supplement your mammogram. These tests can provide different types of images and may be more effective in some cases.
Monitor for Changes: Be vigilant about any changes in your breasts and report them to your doctor immediately. This includes changes in size, shape, and any new lumps or pain.
Statistics and Facts
- Approximately 3.5 million women in the United States have breast implants, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Studies suggest that mammograms for women with breast implants require additional time and specialized techniques to capture clear images.
Expert Insight
Dr. Wendy DeMartini, a breast imaging expert at Stanford University, notes, “While implants can make mammography more challenging, with the right techniques, we can still obtain high-quality images for accurate diagnosis.”
Conclusion
Breast implants can complicate cancer screening, but by choosing the right facility, informing your healthcare providers, and adhering to regular screening guidelines, you can ensure that you are effectively monitored for breast cancer. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment, so take proactive steps to protect your health.
For more information on navigating mammograms with breast implants, visit the American Cancer Society or consult with your healthcare provider.
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