Just had my yearly mammogram (thank goodness that's over) and a question occurred to me afterwards. With all the manipulation that's done during one of these mams (you ladies know what I mean), how in the world could someone get one done if they had implants? Just curious
and thanks.

Well, I don't have implants but, from what I understand they are filled with saline or vegetable oil, so they should be pretty... err... "squishy".

I have heard that implants 'hide' some of the breast tissue, so clear x-rays aren't always possible when you have a mammogram. I looked it up to see if this is true. Seems it is according to this report.

"Breast implants can interfere with the detection of breast cancer, because the implants can obscure the mammography image of a tumor. Implants therefore have the potential to delay the diagnosis of breast cancer. Although mammography can be performed in ways that minimize the interference of the implants, the most recent research by Miglioretti and colleagues indicated that even so 55% of breast tumors were missed, compared to 33% of tumors for women without implants."

I find the fact that those of us without implants still have a 33% chance of a tumour being missed very worrying. We tell ourselves the discomfort of the 'manipulation' is worth it for the peace of mind. I really do wish I hadn't read that!

To answer your original question Kelleygirl, the website linked above also says:

"Mammography may therefore increase the risk of a rupture earlier in the typical lifespan of implants, and the squeezing involved in mammography probably increases the risk of leakage in implants that are already ruptured."

I found it interesting that you said your mammogram was yearly. Unless there's a problem, we are only given them every three years in the UK.

Thanks Silja and Karrow -- I figured that there might be a danger of bursting with everything that gets 'squished'.

Yes, Karrow, here in the states, it is recommended to get a mammogram once a year after you hit 40 unless you are a high-risked candidate --- then earlier and even more often.
source

..and I was just going to ask what age you should start getting them too!!! Already answered in your link Kelley!!!!

OK, so I'm a guy, and maybe have no business posting here. But my sister-in-law had it done, and a malignancy was found at its earliest point, thanks to a great radiologist. So ladies, go get it done, your life may well depend on it.

Oh yes -- it's a very important thing for all everyone (women) to get these done on a regular basis. Just wish, Juan, that you guys could share this experience. (that--a few other things)

I'll trade you that for the prostate exam.

Anytime, Buddy, anytime

Bottoms up, then, Kelley!

I never had a mammogram in spite of doc's urging to get a regular one. I 'just say "no"'

I just can't imagine anything that stressful to the tissues can be ultimately good, especially since the success rate in spotting cancers is not all that great. I like 'em too much to put 'em through that.

Of course with a bad family history, it might be justified.

This might be a really dumb answer, but would someone with implants need a mammogram? I don't know, never had one.

There is normal breast tissue that can be assessed with the mammogram, but many doctors have found that regular (monthly) self-breast exams (by men AND women) are at least as effective at finding developing anomolies and breast tissue changes.

That is why getting to know the 'lay of the land' (for want of a better term) is so important for finding and managing problems early.

You see and feel changes in moles, etc.. why not your breast tissue?

Quote by Kelleygirl

quote:

Yes, Karrow, here in the states, it is recommended to get a mammogram once a year after you hit 40 unless you are a high-risked candidate --- then earlier and even more often.

You are lucky over there, screening here does not start until you are 50 and then it's every three years!

quote:

Originally posted by kiminnc:
This might be a really dumb answer, but would someone with implants need a mammogram? I don't know, never had one.

Kiminnc, even if you have implants your original breast tissue is still there. So yes, a mammogram is still needed.