Breast Implants May Be Linked to Other Types of Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned women who have breast implants or who are thinking about putting them on that certain cancers can develop in the scar tissue that forms around the implants. According to The New York Times, cancers appear to be rare, but they have been linked to implants of all kinds, including those with textured and smooth surfaces, and saline or silicone fillers. Scientists had already linked an unusual cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma primarily to textured implants, whose rough exteriors presumably cause more inflammation than those of smooth implants. But the new warning focuses on another cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, and also on other types of lymphoma that may be related to implants. While the FDA only documented 20 cases of carcinoma, and fewer than 30 cases of unexpected lymphomas in the capsule surrounding the breast implant, it said that — given the history of the implants and their widespread use — the concern was justified. The FDA clarified that women with breast implants do not have to alter their medical monitoring, but simply be on the lookout for possible symptoms that include inflammation, lumps or skin changes. Although lymphomas and other cancers in the area surrounding the implant may be rare, “health care providers and people who have or are considering having breast implants should be aware that cases have been reported to the FDA,” the agency warned. In a normal year, about 400,000 women get breast implants in the United States, 300,000 for aesthetic reasons and 100,000 for reconstruction after mastectomies performed to treat or prevent breast cancer. Last year, the NYT adds, the FDA placed so-called black box labels on breast implants, warning that they had been linked to a number of chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, joint pains, mental confusion, muscle aches and chronic fatigue, as well as lymphoma. They also warned that among the people at highest risk of developing subsequent diseases are breast cancer patients who have undergone or plan to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments, and who represent a large percentage of women who are encouraged to undergo breast reconstruction with implants. Smokers and women with lupus or diabetes are also at increased risk for complications, according to the FDA. FDA recommendations for people who have or are considering breast implants:-Learn about the risks and benefits of breast implants.-If you have breast implants, you do not need to change your routine medical care or follow-up.-Be aware that cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas have been reported in the capsule surrounding the breast implant.-Monitor your breast implants while you have them. If you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts or implants, talk to your surgeon or health care provider quickly.-If you have no symptoms, the FDA does not recommend removal of breast implants.

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