Presentation
Patient referred because of bilateral breast tenderness.
Patient Data
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/45718890/2246ec4f75631133c99705cb199ad7_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/45719080/3cdfe1948236efc7f15eed7c25ccb6_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/45718890/2246ec4f75631133c99705cb199ad7_big_gallery.jpeg)
Ultrasound image shows multiple globules of silicone appearing as small anechoic structures similar in appearance to simple breast cysts. These globules are surrounded by extensive free silicone, which appears as echogenic region associated with dirty acoustic shadowing, consistent with the characteristic “snowstorm” pattern.
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/2932374/6ac7da4003b8409f52dbd6d018392c_big_gallery.jpg)
Mammography detects multiple bilateral high-density siliconomas.
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/2932381/7bdd614fe56129b153b165a5bd08ee_thumb.jpg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/2932388/62ebfecf7ef4d44845f71cc390f918_thumb.jpg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/2932381/7bdd614fe56129b153b165a5bd08ee_big_gallery.jpg)
MRI showed multiple masses at sites of silicone injections in the subcutaneous tissue.
Case Discussion
At the age of 20, she had a bilateral breast augmentation by liquid silicone injection at multiple sites. The shapes of her breast were still good; clinical examination detected a painful nodular texture of the glands; the axillary nodes were not palpable.
Management of the silicone mastopathy is not standardized. For mild cases, some sort of lump excision might work, but if silicone has been injected diffusely throughout the breasts excision (without doing a mastectomy) is probably impossible. The ultimate treatment for these patients is bilateral Nac-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction.
A watching policy and meticulous follow-up by MRI are recommended for these patients to allow early detection of breast cancer.