title: Unusual masses found within ruptured silicone gel breast prostheses.
abstract: Imaging of breast implants has assumed more importance in medicine than ever before. Radiologists and surgeons alike have struggled to accurately identify folds in prostheses, rupture of prostheses, and migration of gel. Here we present two patients with an unusual presentation of masses within the gel of ruptured silicone gel-containing prostheses. In one instance, the mass was an organized hematoma. In the other, two round, calcified masses were found that we presume are hematomas that have become calcified over time. Radiologists and surgeons identifying spherical or ovoid masses seemingly within gel breast prostheses should entertain the possibility that the mass represents an organized hematoma and that the implant is ruptured.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Calabretta
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hirai
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Manders
mesh_terms: D018427:Breast Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D012828:Silicones