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EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers, and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in "Healthwise Maui," which appears in The Maui News. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic, and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, visit mauihealth.org/healthwise.
Q: Does a mammogram still work if I have breast implants?
Kelly Combs, Director of Imaging Services, Maui Health: Yes, a mammogram can still take clear and accurate images of your breast tissue if you have implants. However, the technologist may need to take some extra time to make sure the scan is done correctly.
Normally, a mammogram involves taking two images of each breast: one from the top, and one from the side. If you have implants, the technologist will take two extra images of each breast, called implant displacement views.
For these scans, the technologist will gently push the implant back against the wall of your chest and pull the breast tissue forward. This can be more uncomfortable than a regular mammogram, but it ensures the scanner gets a clear view of your natural breast tissue.
Mammograms tend to be easier if your implants were placed behind, or under, the muscles of your chest.
Unless you had a mastectomy that removed all of your natural breast tissue, you still need regular mammograms if you have breast implants. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.
Maui Health now offers 3D mammography for breast cancer screening, which provides clearer, more detailed images of breast tissue for more accurate detection. It's also faster, which reduces patient discomfort and minimizes the need for retakes.
To ensure the best results, let the staff know you have breast implants before your mammogram, both when you make the appointment and when talking to the technologist before your scans.
Talk with your doctor about the screening plan that's right for your age and risk factors.
You don't need a doctor's referral to schedule an annual screening mammogram. To make an appointment or to learn more about our imaging services, call 808-243-3012 or visit our website, mauihealth.org/imaging.
Q: When should I see a doctor about varicose veins?
Cameron Donaldson, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, Pacific Permanente Group at Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic: Varicose veins aren't dangerous, but they can affect your quality of life. Treatment can help.
Varicose veins are caused when blood takes the easier path of flowing through larger veins instead of smaller, narrower ones. These veins then become even more enlarged, creating a cycle that gets worse over time.
If you have varicose veins and they're not bothering you, you can leave them alone. But for some people, they can be a real problem. Varicose veins can be painful or make it hard to spend time on your feet. They can get nicked and bleed easily, making it hard to engage in activities like shaving. They can also increase your risk of blood clots and phlebitis, a painful condition involving inflammation of the vein.
For some people, compression socks can relieve symptoms. But for larger or more bothersome veins, medical treatment can offer a more permanent solution.
Options include:
• Sclerotherapy: A fluid is injected into the varicose vein, closing it with scar tissue. This reroutes blood flow to other veins and eventually causes the varicose vein to fade away.
• Ablation: A doctor threads a tiny catheter into your vein and uses a laser to close it off.
• Surgery: The varicose vein can be surgically removed, rerouting blood through healthy veins.
Talk with your doctor about varicose veins if they bother you or interfere with your daily life. Treatment options are available and can help improve both comfort and quality of life.
To learn more about the specialty services and providers available through Maui Memorial Medical Center's Outpatient Clinic, visit mauihealth.org/clinic.