Silicone granuloma

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Silicone granuloma
Ultrasound image of silicone granuloma
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nodule, inflammation, pain, swelling
Complications	Infection, scarring
Onset	Variable, often months to years after exposure
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Silicone injection or leakage
Risks	Cosmetic surgery, breast implants, silicone injections
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Lipoma, cyst, lymphoma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical excision, corticosteroids, antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on extent and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Mammogram showing silicone granuloma (MLO view)

Mammogram showing silicone granuloma (CC view)

Silicone granuloma is a type of granuloma, a specific form of chronic inflammation, that is caused by the injection of silicone. It is a rare but serious complication that can occur after procedures such as breast augmentation or other types of cosmetic surgery where silicone is used.

Causes

Silicone granulomas are caused by the body's immune response to silicone that has leaked or migrated from a silicone-containing device, such as a breast implant. The body forms a granuloma, or a mass of immune cells, around the silicone in an attempt to isolate it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of silicone granuloma can vary depending on the location and size of the granuloma. They may include pain, redness, swelling, and the formation of a lump or mass. In some cases, silicone granulomas can lead to serious complications such as skin necrosis or infection.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of silicone granuloma is typically made based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of silicone granuloma typically involves removing the source of the silicone, if possible. This may involve surgery to remove a silicone-containing device such as a breast implant. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

See also

• Granuloma
• Breast implant
• Cosmetic surgery