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.
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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 3
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 1,2. However, they are still performed in South America and Asia.