Mammographic findings after the removal of breast implants.

A recent wave of adverse publicity regarding silicone breast implants has led increasing numbers of women to undergo removal of their implants. In this pictorial essay, we present the spectrum of mammographic findings after implant removal. These range from a nearly normal appearance to architectural distortion and even residual spiculated silicone granulomas that may simulate malignant tumors. Our examples emphasize that comparison with previous mammograms and a detailed surgical history are essential if unnecessary investigations of postsurgical and residual benign abnormalities are to be avoided.