Can we Measure a Woman’s Cancer Risk When Breast Implants are Present? – YES!!!

Background: Breast implants are now recognized to be associated with a variety of potential problems, including inflammatory changes – both locally and systemically – precancerous and cancerous changes. Monitoring these changes are particularly problematic in the face of breast implants. Molecular breast imaging (MBI) using FMTVDM* provides a unique method for measuring changes in breast tissue in these individuals. This study examines that potential. Methods: Eighteen breast implants were evaluated in women who had undergone implantation for a variety of reasons. These women underwent measurement of regional blood flow (RBF) and metabolism differences to determine the extent of inflammation, precancerous and cancerous changes. Results: Measured changes in RBF and metabolism were not influenced by breast implants. Among the 18 breast implant studies; there were 4 instances of inflammation (22%), 5 (28%) instances of precancerous changes and 1 (5%) instance of breast cancer. Conclusions: MBI using FMTVDM provides a non-invasive ability to measure changes in breast tissue in women who have undergone breast implantation. The measured monitoring of these changes allows clinicians a tool to make clinical decisions regarding either the need to remove the breast implant or provide alternative treatment options.