direct injection of silicone into the breast

Free silicone breast injections (silicone mastopathy) are an alternative form of breast augmentation to breast implants, although they have serious adverse effects and are banned in many countries.

Radiographic features

There are similar features to that of free silicone from breast implant rupture, although there will be no implant or fibrous capsule.

Mammography

• extremely dense lobulated masses +/- rim calcification
• extremely dense lymph nodes may be present

Ultrasound

• "snowstorm appearance" of echogenic foci with posterior shadowing obscuring the posterior breast

MRI

Signal characteristics of silicone:

• T1 FS: low signal
• T2 water suppressed: high signal 

History and etymology

Free silicone injections were the precursor to breast prosthesis implantation and were banned in the United States in the 1990s . However, they are still performed in developing countries in South America and Asia.

Differential diagnosis

• scleroderma

Siehe auch:

• Silikongranulome
• Mastopathie
• cosmetic injection of silicone into the body