Silicon tissue assay: are there intracapsular variations?

In previous studies, we were able to demonstrate baseline non-augmented cadaveric silicon tissue values as well as silicone-augmented breast capsular tissue silicon levels from various geographic locations in the United States. One of the limitations of these previous studies was the potential for intracapsular variations in the silicon level and whether a single measurement would be a valid comparison for the entire breast capsule. This study was then undertaken to measure the variations in tissue silicon levels from multiple sites within each breast capsule sampled. Four patients that underwent silicone breast and three tissue expander explantations were evaluated. All the women had silicone implants for breast augmentation and the placement of tissue expanders for reconstruction following mastectomy. A variety of reasons for explantation were noted. Each of the patient's breast capsules were divided into four quadrants (upper inner, upper outer, lower inner, and lower outer). All samples were harvested in a no-touch technique and were sent for silicon tissue assays. Silicon values ranged from 44 to 9,000 micrograms per gram of tissue and were consistent with our previously measured values. We conclude that random samples of breast capsules reflect the variations within the specimen samples, but can be used to measure elevated silicon values accurately. It is our belief that multiple samples do not need to be taken for each capsule measurement and that a previous potential limitation to the measurements has been eliminated.