Capsular Contracture and Radiation Post Lumpectomy.

Breast cancer is often treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Without an implant, lumpectomy and radiation is often tolerated very well. When an implant is positioned in the radiated pocket, there is a higher incidence of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is an exaggerated response of the body’s healing system. When an implant is placed in the body, a lining or capsule is created around the implant. In some patients this lining or capsule remains soft and in others it becomes hard or starts to contract. When the implant and capsule construct become hard, painful, or visibly distort the breast then a capsular contracture has developed. Treatment of capsular contracture can involve taking a medication such as Singulair to soften the capsule or performing a surgery to release or remove part or all of the capsule. The photograph demonstrates before and after removal and replacement of mammary prosthesis and selective capsulectomy for treatment of radiation induced capsular contracture.