How Can You Get Better Mammogram Results If You Have Implants?
Posted on: 6 August 2015
When you have breast implants, there is a possibility that the images taken during a mammogram can be obscured. Unfortunately, this can hurt your chances of your doctor detecting the presence of breast cancer in its earliest stages. If you have breast implants and are planning on getting a mammogram, here is what you need to know beforehand.
Why Is It Difficult to Get Accurate Images?
Regardless of if you have silicone or saline implants, the images can be obscured. The x-rays from the procedure have difficulty in taking clear pictures of the tissue that is under and over the implant. As a result, the results that your doctor receives are impacted.
What Can the Technician Do to Improve the Images?
In order to obtain the best possible images, the technician will take additional images of each breast. While capturing the additional images, the technician will ensure that your implant is pushed against the chest wall. At the same time, the breast is pulled forward.
What Can You Do?
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that good images of your breast tissue is taken is to find a facility that specializes in assessing women who have breast implants. Your OB/GYN can most likely provide a referral to a clinic or hospital in your area.
You should also alert the technician that you have breast implants when it is time for your mammogram. If you have previously had a mammogram, take the images from those examinations with you. The technician can use those previous images to compare to the new ones to determine if there are any significant changes in your breast tissue.
If digital mammography is available, ask for this type of procedure instead. Digital mammograms have been shown to be more effective in detecting breast cancer in some women. If you are under the age of 50 and have not gone through menopause, this can be a good option.
Ask your doctor about an ultrasound or MRI. If you are still concerned that the mammogram results will be skewered due to the presence of the implants, ask your doctor if you can also have an ultrasound or MRI.
Regular screenings for breast cancer are important. Even if you have breast implants, it is important that you have a mammogram (from a professional, such as one from Women's Care Inc) as recommended by your doctor. If you still unsure about the results, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Share