Breast Cancer Detection With Cosmetic Breast Implants

Breast implants vs no implants

A report just published in the British Medical Journal, does a systematic review and meta-analysis of twelve observational studies.  The objective was to evaluate whether the stage distribution among women diagnosed as having breast cancer differs between those who have received breast implants for cosmetic purposes and those with no implants and to evaluate whether cosmetic breast augmentation before the detection of breast cancer is a predictor of post-diagnosis survival.

Breast implants have a higher risk for cancer

The systematic review suggests that women with cosmetic breast implants have later stage tumors at diagnosis of breast cancer, and that there is a higher risk of breast cancer specific mortality among women with breast cancer who have implants compared to those without implants.  The finding can be explained by the fact that both silicone and saline implants create a radiopaque shadow on mammograms, which impair visualization of breast tissue.  The study concludes that even though cosmetic breast implants have become increasingly popular in recent decades, there is increased concern that these implants may impair the ability to identify breast cancer at an early stage when survival is generally more favorable.

For the full paper, go to www.bmj.com

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309