Progressive silicone lymphadenopathy post mastectomy and implant reconstruction for breast cancer

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Feb 9;14(2):e237711. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237711.

Abstract

A 56-year-old woman with a 12-year history of recurrent triple-negative invasive carcinoma of the breast presented with progressive enlargement of lymph nodes in the setting of established rupture of the ipsilateral silicone breast implant. Although this was proven to be benign on cytology, its progressive nature led to repeated core biopsies for histology, which were necessary given the high-risk nature of triple-negative breast cancer and the multiple proven previous recurrences. The histology demonstrated features of silicone deposits without evidence of malignancy. This case demonstrates the dilemma in surveillance of high-risk patients with breast cancer who have had previous silicone lymphadenopathy.

Keywords: breast cancer; oncology; radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Large-Core Needle
  • Breast Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphadenopathy / etiology*
  • Mammaplasty
  • Mastectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Reoperation
  • Silicone Gels / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Silicone Gels