Women considering or living with breast implants often wonder about their impact on breast health, including the development of cysts. This article clarifies the relationship between breast implants and breast cysts.
Understanding Breast Cysts
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within breast tissue. They are common, particularly in women between 35 and 50, and are usually non-cancerous. Cysts vary in size and may feel soft or firm. Larger cysts might cause tenderness or pain, especially before a menstrual period.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but cysts are thought to be related to natural hormonal fluctuations. They often become more noticeable or tender before menstruation and may decrease in size afterward. Cysts can form when fluid accumulates inside milk glands or when a milk duct becomes blocked.
Understanding Breast Implants
Breast implants are medical devices used for augmentation or reconstruction. There are two primary types: saline and silicone. Saline implants consist of a silicone rubber shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. These are often filled during the surgical procedure.
Silicone breast implants also have a silicone rubber shell, pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Modern silicone gels are designed to be more cohesive, mimicking the feel of natural breast tissue. Both types of implants are considered safe and are regulated by health authorities.
Do Implants Directly Cause Cysts?
Typical, benign breast cysts are generally not directly caused by breast implants. These cysts are a common finding in women, regardless of whether they have implants. Their formation is primarily linked to natural hormonal changes.
The presence of breast implants does not increase a woman’s likelihood of developing these common benign cysts. Breast tissue continues its normal physiological changes even with implants. Therefore, if a woman with implants develops a breast cyst, it is usually due to the same hormonal influences as in a woman without implants.
Implant-Related Fluid Collections
While breast implants do not cause typical cysts, certain fluid collections can occur specifically around implants. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid that can form around the implant. Seromas can develop acutely, soon after surgery, or appear later, even years following the procedure. Causes can include trauma, infection, or they may sometimes occur spontaneously.
Another fluid collection associated with implants, though very rare, is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This rare immune system cancer, not breast cancer, can develop around breast implants, particularly those with textured surfaces. BIA-ALCL often presents as a late-forming seroma, characterized by persistent swelling or fluid buildup around the implant.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing breast cysts or implant-related fluid collections involves specialized imaging techniques. Mammography may be used, though implants can sometimes obscure breast tissue, necessitating additional views. Ultrasound is frequently used to differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass, and it is also effective for evaluating fluid around implants. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images and is often used to assess implant integrity and detect fluid collections.
If a suspicious fluid collection or mass is identified, further procedures like aspiration or biopsy may be performed. Aspiration involves using a fine needle to withdraw fluid from the area for analysis. For typical benign cysts, management may involve watchful waiting, as many resolve on their own, or drainage if they are large or painful. In the rare instance of BIA-ALCL, treatment often involves surgical removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for any new breast symptoms or concerns.