Saline Breast Implant Calcification

 

 

 

General Considerations

• Calcification can occur in the fibrous capsule that develops around a breast implant
• More commonly occurs with first generation silicone implants, when the implant has been present for more than a decade, rupture of the implant
• Subglandular implants are more likely to calcify than submuscular implants

Clinical Findings

• Calcifications are considered of no clinical significance unless they mimic or obscure calcifications of malignancy on mammograms
• Implants are ovoid in shape initially but may become rounder with calcification
• May produce firmness
• May produce pain

Imaging Findings

• Calcification may be focal or diffuse
• Thin-rim of calcification that outlines implant
• Does not imply rupture
• MRI is the most accurate imaging examination for the evaluation of silicone breast implant rupture

Treatment

• None required for the calcification itself

 

Consumer information about breast implants is available from the FDA at this link