Silicone breast implant pathology. Clinical data and immunologic consequences
Kossovsky, N.; Freiman, C.J.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 118(7): 686-693
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 8024400 Document Number: 438081
Silicone breast prostheses are medical devices, implanted subcutaneously or subpectorally, that are designed to replace or augment the volume occupied by breast glandular tissue. They are generally effective in creating tissue mounds, and their apparent medical benefit is primarily psychological. Recent data on immunologic phenomena associated with silicone exposure suggest to us that silicone breast implants may interact with native tissue in a way that is analogous to implantable vaccinating devices. Background information, clinical findings, and possible immunologic consequences are presented.