In June 2017 I was diagnosed with right side breast cancer at the time I had a lumpectomy and 15 doses of radiation for the past 5 years I have a mammogram and a ultrasound done I was told everything was fine and no problem Yesterday I went to the clinic to have the two tests done when I was having my mammogram the technician told me I had 4 metal staples in my breast 3 in a row 1 below further down in the breast I had no idea they were there I saw the images I have had MRIS done at the time I was asked if I had metal on my body I said no fortunately ,no damage doneI will be seeing my GP next week I will be asking questions Any advice or feedback Regards Stork

Hi @Stork, They usual put in metal radiological markers when they do a biopsy or surgery, so that they have a mark as to where the breast cancer was originally. I have them from my initial biopsy but subsequently has a mastectomy. From memory, it is ok to have a MRI with these metal staples. But probably worth mentioning if you have another MRI. Cheers

I think we are supposed to be grateful to them for saving our lives so a few bits of metal left behind should not bother us !!People skills are not required in the operating theatre and after that they don't even recognise us as women, just a scar job.My elderly Mum used to say that girls are "just a piece of meat to them so you need not worry about seeing a doctor for female issues". Gee, she was so spot-on, eh ? 😀 (That was all those years ago when I was heading off for my first pap smear).

@June1952...Go for it...share and share alike...

These are fine metal clips that are applied to the ends of blood vessels to stop them bleeding, they are used often in breast surgery (I am a perioperative Registered Nurse & have seen this first hand). They are very thin so not usually something they ever keep track of. They are used in many types of surgeries.

Hi there @HappySoul...thanks for your input on this topic. For me, it was not that I was worried or concerned that they had been used, so much as it wasn't mentioned to me that they had. I'm always asked before MRI tests if I have any metal in or on my body such as dental metalwork, body piercings and so on. Even although I know these clips are titanium, and therefor non ferrous, I always mention them (since I knew of them), as I'm aware that they can show as 'artifacts' on various diagnostic tests. I also mention my port (had it since 2016), even although I know it has no metal parts, for the same reason.

Metal staples in breast | BCNA Online Network

Stork
Member
3 years ago
Thank you for replies and words of wisdom
It was a bit disconcerting to find out 5 years after the event
Regards Stork
AllyJay
Member
3 years ago
Hi there @HappySoul...thanks for your input on this topic. For me, it was not that I was worried or concerned that they had been used, so much as it wasn't mentioned to me that they had. I'm always asked before MRI tests if I have any metal in or on my body such as dental metalwork, body piercings and so on. Even although I know these clips are titanium, and therefor non ferrous, I always mention them (since I knew of them), as I'm aware that they can show as 'artifacts' on various diagnostic tests. I also mention my port (had it since 2016), even although I know it has no metal parts, for the same reason.
HappySoul
Member
3 years ago
These are fine metal clips that are applied to the ends of blood vessels to stop them bleeding, they are used often in breast surgery (I am a perioperative Registered Nurse & have seen this first hand). They are very thin so not usually something they ever keep track of. They are used in many types of surgeries.
Glemmis
Member
3 years ago
I didn’t know I had clips from reconstruction until I had a back X-ray. The report said I had multiple surgical clips from open heart surgery. My GP had a laugh about that!
arpie
Member
3 years ago
Yeah, I've got 'em too .... the MGs show them clearly xx
Stork
Member
3 years ago
Thank you for your replies they were very helpful
When I had my back surgery my surgeon told me I was going to have metal implants in my spine
I find is to be perplexing finding out 5 years after my breast surgery to have metal implants
Regards Stork
AllyJay
Member
3 years ago
@June1952...Go for it...share and share alike...
June1952
Member
3 years ago
@AllyJay - can I please use your "Chopologist" ? I say "The Boob Butcher" but yours sounds so much more official.
June1952
Member
3 years ago
I think we are supposed to be grateful to them for saving our lives so a few bits of metal left behind should not bother us !!
People skills are not required in the operating theatre and after that they don't even recognise us as women, just a scar job.
My elderly Mum used to say that girls are "just a piece of meat to them so you need not worry about seeing a doctor for female issues". Gee, she was so spot-on, eh ? 😀 (That was all those years ago when I was heading off for my first pap smear).
AllyJay
Member
3 years ago
Hi there @jennyss LOL emoji is totally fine.... My surgeon...(I call her my Chopologist) is definitely not in line for any awards for people skills. She didn't seem to get it that this was something in my body...forever, and that mayhap...perchance...patients might like to be informed if bits and pieces of metal have been left behind.