Being Informed About Mammography
and Breast Implants

Increasing numbers of women with Breast Implants are seeking mammography for various reasons. If you are one of these women, here are some useful suggestions to keep in mind for your next mammogram:

• Research the facility where you are going to have your mammogram performed as well as the doctors who will read your films. Radiologists reading mammograms should have special interest and expertise in this area; many nowadays have additional fellowship training in breast imaging. The radiologist should spend at least 80 percent of his or her time reading mammograms. There are many facilities these days dedicated only to breast or women's imaging. A high volume is important. Mammography machines are constantly improving - as often as every two to five years - so ensure that they are not any older than this. Many facilities fit these criteria, so don't just go to the first place close to home where you can get an appointment.
• Know your Breast Implant History as well as possible. Your personal physician or medical records can supply you with valuable information.
  Information useful to the mammographer is:
  What surgeries you have had previously;
  What type of implants are present;
  How much breast tissue is present or removed;
  AGE of your Implants... (implants over 8 to 10 years old have a high risk of leakage and more likely to rupture);
  Whether the Implants are under the muscle or not;
  Whether you have contracture, and, if so, how serious it is and how long it has been present; where your previous mammograms were done; whether they showed any abnormalities and, if so, specifically what the abnormalities were.
• Be familiar with and practice regular breast self-examination. Take the time to be specific and alert your mammographer and technician about any areas that you feel are of concern to you for whatever reason. Nothing is too small to point out.
• Find out what technique will be used for your mammogram. All patients with Breast Implants should have a Diagnostic - "not a screening" - mammogram. There are several imaging techniques used - specifically, the displacement (full view) and the compression (push-back) techniques. Make sure your technician is familiar with these techniques.
• Obtain your previous films or copies, and have them with you. This may prevent duplicating special views or may answer questions about possible "new findings". If previous mammograms show LEAKAGE or RUPTURE, your technician needs to know this, and your exam should proceed with extreme caution.
• Be aware of pain during the test. Some discomfort is normal. If you have severe pain during your mammogram, then stop the test. Ask to speak with the radiologist. BE INFORMED: Implants have been known to rupture during mammography. You will often have some pain or discomfort up to two weeks after the procedure.
• Review your results with the mammographer, and look at your films. This is an excellent way to become educated about your breast anatomy, have a better sense of what is seen on the films, and learn how this relates to what you may feel during your exam.
• Ask for copies of your films if you want these for your personal records. It is your mammogram and you paid for it. This service is often free or provided for a nominal fee.

Mammography is a very important and useful test. Be as prepared and well informed as you can about your history, your body, and the facility.