Breast prostheses

Breast prostheses are relatively common pathology specimens.

Breast expander, breast capsule and capsular contraction redirect here.

General

• Commonly used for cosmesis in the context of breast cancer.
• Associated with a small risk increase of lymphoma - specifically anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
• May be excised due to excessive fibrosis (in response to a breast prosthesis) known as capsular contraction.

Gross

Specimen received in formalin labelled "right breast prosthesis" consists of a breast prosthesis measuring 13.5 x 12.5 x 4.5 cm. Seen on one side the number 356 is seen. The prosthesis is intact. No tissue is identified. No sections are submitted.

Radiology

• Linguine sign - thin, wavy hypodense strands/septations within a rupture contained within the fibrous capsule.

Images

• 

  Breast implants. (WC)

• 

  Ruptured breast implant. (WC)

Sign out

A. Right Breast Capsule, Excision:
- Benign fibrous tissue with calcifications, consistent with capsule, and adipose tissue.
- NEGATIVE for breast parenchyma.
- NEGATIVE for malignancy.

B. Left Breast Capsule, Excision:
- Benign fibrous tissue with calcifications, consistent with capsule, and adipose tissue.
- NEGATIVE for breast parenchyma.
- NEGATIVE for malignancy.

Clinical history of rupture

Breast, Right Capsule, Excision:
- Marked histiocytic response and foreign material, adipose tissue 
  and benign fibrous tissue (consistent with capsule).
- NEGATIVE for breast parenchyma.
- NEGATIVE for malignancy.

Block letters

BREAST PROSTHESIS, RIGHT, REMOVAL:
- INTACT BREAST PROSTHESIS (GROSS ONLY).

Not intact

BREAST PROSTHESIS, LEFT, REMOVAL:
- BREAST PROSTHESIS WITH EVIDENCE OF PERFORATION AND LEAKAGE (GROSS ONLY).

See also

• Ditzels.