Is it harder to detect recurrence with implants?

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mnsotamom74
mnsotamom74 Member Posts: 126
edited November 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm considering having reconstruction after being flat for a year. I had a skin sparing double mastectomy one year ago. One of my biggest fears holding me back is the idea of cancer recurrence hiding behind the implant and not being detected.

For those of you who have reconstructed, what were you told if anything from your surgeon?

Thank you in advance for all replies.


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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2019

    I have sub-pectoral. One of the big advantages and a huge selling point for me is the fact that the implant is placed behind the pec muscle, which pushes the chest wall up against the skin. What my surgeon told me is that as a result, either a chest wall recurrence or a skin recurrence will be felt as a nodule right under the skin. Because the implant is smooth and the skin is tight against the implant, even the tiniest nodule will be immediately noticeable. So sub-pectoral reconstruction actually makes it easier to find a recurrence than having natural breasts.

    I can't speak for pre-pectoral or DIEP/GAP reconstruction but hopefully someone will come by to explain these.

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  • mnsotamom74
    mnsotamom74 Member Posts: 126
    edited February 2020

    oh Beesie that actually makes so much sense! Thank you

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2019

    You're welcome! I think everyone has the same question. I remember my concern and asking my surgeon about it. And then thinking, "Well, Duh! doesn't that make sense!"

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