Abstract
Diagnostic imaging of breast cancer following breast augmentation is difficult. We report our experience with a case that provides useful information for developing diagnostic procedures for breast cancer following breast augmentation. The patient was a 43-year-old woman who noticed a mass in her left breast 2 years after undergoing breast augmentation. Although a 5-cm mass was palpable in the left breast CA area, a diagnosis could not be established by mammography (MMG) / ultrasonography (US) because of the artifact of the foreign body. Breast abscess was diagnosed by computed tomography and this area was removed. The pathologic examination revealed breast cancer in a part of the specimen. A radical operation was performed because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed after removal of the abscess revealed a mass that raised suspicion of breast cancer. When breast cancer occurs after infection of foreign bodies, the cancer is difficult to diagnose with MMG or US. On the other hand, MRI is useful for the diagnosis of breast cancer after breast augmentation, because it can differentiate between breast cancer and foreign bodies. The inability to depict tumors on images inhibits determination of the biopsy site or increases the risk of false negative results, even when a biopsy is performed. If breast cancer is suspected after breast augmentation, a biopsy should be performed and subcutaneous total mastectomy should be considered.
