Can You Get a Mammogram with Breast Implants?
Five myths about breast cancer screening debunked
Five myths about breast cancer screening debunked
Key Takeaways
- Women with breast implants should continue regular mammograms.
- Special imaging techniques help radiologists see more breast tissue.
- Mammograms are safe with implants, and rupture is very rare.
- Screening needs after mastectomy depend on the type of surgery.
If you have breast implants, you may wonder whether mammograms are safe, if your implants could affect your results or whether you need special screening.
The good news is that you can still get a mammogram. Regular breast cancer screening remains important for detecting cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
Although implants can make some breast tissue harder to see, mammography technologists use careful positioning and take additional images to get a clearer view. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help make your mammogram go more smoothly.
“Skilled mammography technicians work daily with women who have breast implants and are experts at getting the best views for radiologists to examine,” says Ray Lin, MD, a radiation oncologist at Scripps Cancer Center and Scripps Clinic. “That means more peace of mind and less chance of needing to redo a mammogram.”
Here’s what to know about mammograms with breast implants.
Why should women with breast implants get mammograms?
Breast implants don’t change your need for regular breast cancer screening.
Scripps recommends that women at average risk begin mammograms between ages 40 and 45. Your doctor can help determine when to start and how often to get screened based on your health history and breast cancer risk.
If you’re at higher risk, you may need earlier or more frequent screening, sometimes including a breast MRI.
Five myths and facts about mammograms and breast implants
There are plenty of myths about breast implants and mammograms. Some can cause unnecessary worry or even lead women to put off breast cancer screening.
Myth 1: Implants cover up breast tissue so there’s no point in getting a mammogram
Fact: Mammograms can still detect breast cancer in women with implants, even though implants may make some breast tissue harder to see.
To get a clearer view, mammography technologists take additional images called implant-displacement views.
The technologist gently pushes the implant toward the chest wall and pulls the breast tissue forward. This allows the radiologists to see more tissue that might otherwise be hidden.
Myth 2: Women with breast implants get too much radiation exposure during mammograms
Fact: Mammograms use low doses of radiation, even when additional images are needed.
Women with implants typically need extra images, which can slightly increase radiation exposure. However, the benefits of finding breast cancer early generally outweigh the small risks from radiation.
“Radiation exposure goes up but just slightly. You will still be well within safe limits,” Dr. Lin says. “It’s far more dangerous to skip the mammogram and have undetected cancer.”
Myth 3: Implants can rupture during a mammogram screening
Fact: Implant rupture during a mammogram is possible, but very rare.
Mammography technologists at facilities experienced with breast implants are trained to position them carefully to obtain clear images while minimizing the risk of damage.
Myth 4: Women who get implants after mastectomies don’t need mammograms
Fact: Whether you need mammograms after a mastectomy depends on the type of surgery and reconstruction you had.
Here’s what to know:
Unilateral mastectomy: If you've had one breast removed, you’ll generally continue getting mammograms of the remaining breast.
Bilateral mastectomy: If both breasts were removed, routine screening mammograms generally aren’t needed because very little breast tissue remains, even with implant reconstruction.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy: Although the nipple is preserved, most breast tissue is removed. Because some tissue may remain, your doctor may recommend follow-up mammograms based on your surgical history and individual risk.
Even after a mastectomy, breast cancer can return in the skin or chest wall. Regular follow-up visits remain important, and any new lumps, swelling or other changes should be evaluated by your doctor.
Myth 5: Women who have breast implants can’t get 3D mammograms
Fact: Women with breast implants can get 3D mammograms, also called digital breast tomosynthesis.
Unlike standard 2D mammograms, 3D mammography takes multiple low-dose X-ray images from different angles to create detailed views of breast tissue.
This technology can help radiologists spot certain cancers more clearly and reduce the need for additional imaging. It can be especially useful for women with dense breasts.
How to prepare for a mammogram with breast implants
A little preparation can help your mammogram go smoothly. Here are five tips:
Tell the imaging center you have implants. Mention them when scheduling so staff can plan for additional images and special positioning.
Share your implant history. Let the technologist know whether you have silicone or saline implants and about any previous breast surgery.
Provide previous mammogram images. If you’ve had mammograms elsewhere, ask whether the imaging center needs copies for comparison.
Speak up about discomfort. Breast compression may cause brief discomfort. Tell the technologist if you experience pain or need an adjustment.
Report breast changes. Tell your doctor about any new lumps or unusual changes rather than waiting for your next mammogram.