American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 160, 487-490, Copyright © 1993 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Mammographic findings after the removal of breast implants
MK Hayes, RH Gold and LW Bassett
Iris Cantor Center for Breast Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles.
A recent wave of adverse publicity regarding silicone breast implants has
led increasing numbers of women to undergo removal of their implants. In
this pictorial essay, we present the spectrum of mammographic findings
after implant removal. These range from a nearly normal appearance to
architectural distortion and even residual spiculated silicone granulomas
that may simulate malignant tumors. Our examples emphasize that comparison
with previous mammograms and a detailed surgical history are essential if
unnecessary investigations of postsurgical and residual benign
abnormalities are to be avoided.