Before i get breast augmentation, i need to know how well they can see breast tumors in the future.?

Good question: The implant does shield some visualization of the breast and so radiologists add two additional views when doing mammograms to be sure to see the entire breast. Most breast cancer reconstruction patients are reconstructed with implants in the US today. The majority of those have an additional implant placed on the normal breast.

Breast Implant Info: Mammography after breast implants is every bit as effective if they are aware that you have them and take special care to position the breast tissue appropriately.

Extra precautions: Currently mammograms are the standard, extra views such as ecklund compression are used to attempt to displace the implant and increase visualization of the breast tissue which may be obscured by the presence of the implant. Ultrasound may be used. Mris are increasingly more popular for imaging breasts and more sensitive for tumor dectection although self exam remains the keystone for detection.

More complicated: Standard mammogram and ultrasound are the mainstays of breast imaging. It does complicate future biopsies if a woman has implants, but is done on a routine basis.

Good question: My radiologist friends say they can see 99% of the breast after implants on mammogram. They do have to do a couple of what is called displacement views. Make sure you discuss your concerns, including any history of breast cancer in the family with your board certified plastic surgeon. http://www.jjrothmd.com/procedures/breast-augmentation.

Mammography: Mammograms can still be performed to image the breast after breast augmentation. They radiologists are pretty good at doing the additional views to evaluate the entire breast. Make sure you tell them you have implants, so that these extra views can be performed. http://www.dassmd.com/breast-augmentation/index.html.

With silicone...: Implants, it can be a little more difficult to get a good image of 100% of the breast tissue, since the implant blocks some of the x-rays. - even if it's under the muscle. Additional views, eklund displacement views, or use of other methods - like ultrasoundd or MRI might be needed. Do you have a strong maternal history of breast cancer? Speak with your surgeon about these concerns.