Ask a Specialist  
Format to print

November 17, 2004
IN THIS SECTION

Free, Weekly newsletter from Mayo Clinic



More Information
Breast implants: Do they interfere with breast exams?
Question I'm 28 years old. Last year, I got breast implants. Do I still give myself the same breast self-exam as before? How does breast augmentation affect the need for and frequency of mammograms?

Leslie  /  Louisiana
Answer

The breast self-exam is the same for women with breast implants as for all women. You'll likely be able to feel lumps in the same way as before — possibly even more easily. The breast tissue itself doesn't feel any different because of breast implants.

Implants separate the breast tissue from the chest wall by pushing up the breast tissue. Women with breast implants actually may find it easier to do a breast self-exam because they don't feel their ribs as readily.

Breast cancer screening guidelines are the same for women with breast implants as for all women. Many women start examining their breasts regularly at about age 20. The American Cancer Society recommends:

  • Clinical breast exams once every three years between ages 20 and 39 and annually for women age 40 and older.
  • Yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
  • Optional breast self-exams (BSEs). Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of BSEs. If you choose to perform BSEs, have your doctor check your technique. Promptly report any new breast symptoms.

If you have a family history of cancer or other factors that put you at high risk, you may need to start mammograms at an earlier age.

Women with breast implants may want to consider getting their mammograms at a medical facility that does a large number of mammograms annually. The procedure may be slightly different and the images more difficult to interpret in women with breast implants. For this reason, they may benefit from a radiologist experienced in such examinations.

There's a very slight risk that the implants may rupture during a mammogram. But the benefits of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer outweigh this risk.


Related Information



By Mayo Clinic staff
July 24, 2003


AN00419

© 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.  A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 



Advertising and
sponsorship policy




About this siteSite helpContact use-NewsletterSite map
Privacy policy updated June 03, 2004Terms and conditions of use updated June 03, 2004


LEGAL CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF USE APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS OF THIS SITE. ANY USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE.

© 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.