The Roentgen Appearance of Injected Silicone in the Breast

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Abstract
In some cases the silicone appears as a homogeneous density within the breast. More often seen, however, are discrete, relatively dense, well defined masses that simulate benign tumors, such as cysts or fibroadenomata. It is suggested that the variation in appearance may be a function of the purity of injected silicone. The nodular pattern is possibly produced by injection with a silicone fluid-fatty acid mixture, and the homogeneous pattern may be the result of injection with unadulterated silicone fluid. Examples of the migration of silicone from the breast into the axilla and chest wall are illustrated. At present, injection of silicone for purposes of breast augmentation is prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration. Precise information regarding the purity, type, and quantity of silicone injected is therefore difficult to obtain. Since the injected silicone is relatively dense and often produces palpable masses, rou tine mammograms are suggested in patients with a history of silicone injections in the breast. This examination could serve as a base line for comparison with subsequent studies, should malignant tumor be suspected at a later date.

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