Findings: The right mammogram demonstrates a subpectoral silicone implant. There is extensive amount of high density material in the axilla consistent with globules of extravasated silicone.

Diagnosis: Extravasated silicone.

Discussion: There are two types of implant rupture. An intrascapular rupture is when the silicone has leaked through tears in the implant shell, but is contained within the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant. An intracapsular rupture cannot be detected by mammography. The second type is an extracapsular rupture where the silicone has not only leaked through the tears in the shell, but has also broken through the capsule and is located within the axilla (as in this case) and sometimes may be seen within the lymph nodes.

References:
Basset LW, et al. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. Philadelphia, W. Saunders Co., 1977.

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