Should calcified breast implants be removed?
This condition may mask calcifications of the breast due to carcinoma, and it often exacerbates the symptoms of capsular contracture. We recommend removal of the calcified capsules and replacement of the implants in the submuscular position.
Can breast implants cause calcifications?
Calcifications may be seen after breast infections. Breast implants, particularly the older-style silicone-gel implants that were used 15 to 20 years ago, often cause calcifications in the capsule, the layer of scar tissue that forms around the implant. Finally, calcifications can be seen in breast cancers.
What causes calcium deposits in breast?
A number of factors can cause calcification in a woman’s breast, including normal aging, inflammation, and past trauma to the area. Calcium from your diet does not cause breast calcifications.
How are breast calcifications removed?
Your doctors may sometimes recommend surgery to remove the area of the calcification from the breast. This is usually only done when a needle core biopsy has been unsuccessful at removing enough of the calcification, or when the result is not definite.
Is Capsulectomy painful?
Explant with complete capsulectomy takes about two hours. This is significantly longer than just the implant surgery alone. Drainage tubes are required and stay in place for 3-5 days depending on the output. There is more pain with this procedure than implant removal alone.
What is a calcified breast implant?
Calcification refers to deposits of calcium in the implant capsule. This occurs over time and may be related to capsule formation around the implant. Inflammation associated with a capsule may enhance the calcium deposition around the implant. All these problems lead to a hard and distorted breast.
How serious is calcification in breast?
Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes and fine appearance — may indicate breast cancer or precancerous changes to breast tissue.
Does calcium deposits in breast cause pain?
Breast calcifications aren’t painful or big enough to be felt during a breast exam, whether through a self-exam or by your doctor. They’re usually first noticed on a routine mammogram screening.
When should I be concerned about breast calcifications?
About 80 percent of microcalcifications are benign. However, they’re sometimes an indication of precancerous changes or cancer in the breast. If the biopsy shows the calcifications are benign, most commonly nothing needs to be done except continuing yearly mammograms.