Silicone implants are a popular procedure for the augmentation of breasts. Silicone implants consist of soft packages of silicone that are surgically implanted into the breast. However, because these implants are artificial, they might mask some of the early signs of breast cancer. On the other hand, the typical methods of testing for and diagnosing breast cancer can still be done under these circumstances.
Step 1
Look for changes in your breasts. Although breast implants can change the shape and feel of breasts, a self-examination can still detect any changes in the breast tissue. The best way to do this is to perform a thorough self-examination once your breasts have healed from the implantation procedure and to continue to do regular, monthly self-examinations.
Step 2
Look for changes in your breast's surface. Some forms of breast cancer can lead to changes in the surface or skin of your breast. Look for areas of redness, dimpling, flaking of the skin around your nipple or an inversion of the nipple itself.
Step 3
Receive regular mammograms. Depending on your risk of breast cancer, which includes a review of your family history for an increased breast cancer likelihood, the National Cancer Institute recommends that women over the age of 40 receive a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
Step 4
Go to a facility that is accustomed to doing mammograms on women with silicone implants. Although silicone implants can make reading a mammogram more difficult, facilities with technicians with experience in reading mammograms of women with silicone implants can help minimize the chance of not detecting breast cancer. Call ahead and ask if the facility has a lot of experience with these types of mammograms.
Step 5
Receive other screening measures. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be used to detect breast cancer and may be recommended for you. Many plastic surgeons recommend that you receive an MRI 3 years after receiving silicone implants to check for rupturing of the implant, as well as an additional MRI every 2 years.
