An uncommon immune system disease known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma had already been associated with textured implants, according to researchers.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to females who currently have breast implants or who are thinking about obtaining them on Thursday, stating that some malignancies may arise in the scar tissue that forms around the implants.
The malignancies appear to be uncommon, but they have been connected to implants of various shapes and sizes, whether they have smooth or rough surfaces or are filled with silicone or saline.
An uncommon malignancy known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma has already been associated with textured implants, whose rough exteriors are likely to produce greater inflammation than those of smooth implants. A malignancy of the immune system is lymphoma.
The FDA established that connection more than ten years ago, but Allergan’s textured implants weren’t available until 2019. Squamous cell carcinoma, another cancer, and various types of lymphoma that may be connected to the implants were both mentioned in the agency’s latest warning.
Very few cases have been reported. Less than 20 occurrences of carcinoma and less than 30 cases of unexpected lymphomas in the capsule around breast implants, according to the FDA. (The scar tissue that forms a capsule around the implant.)
Federal health experts believed that fear was justified, however, given the history and widespread usage of implants. Women have occasionally been diagnosed years after getting breast implants. Swelling, discomfort, lumps, and changes in the skin were some of the symptoms.
The FDA warned that although incidences of lymphomas and other cancers in the vicinity of breast implants have been reported to the FDA and in the literature, “healthcare practitioners and consumers who have or are considering breast implants should be aware that cases have been.”
In addition to the previously known malignancy, ALCL, the additional malignancies were described by an agency spokesman, Audra Harrison, as an “emerging safety signal that we’re seeing with implants that we will be communicating about, independent from ALCL.”
Dr. Mark Clemens, a professor of plastic surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, said that incidences of lymphomas other than ALCL in women with breast implants have been documented in the scientific literature for roughly ten years.
He said that since they are uncommon, the new warning shouldn’t raise too much concern. It had already “allowed us to be more mindful that other things could be happening in that area,” Clemens added, when it became clear that ALCL was related to breast implants.
These are quite uncommon, he continued, “if ALCL is uncommon.” Squamous cell carcinoma can develop from scar tissue, such as that left over after breast implant surgery, Clemens continued.
He said that these problems could arise from a wound that takes a long time to heal. He added that it is still unclear how exactly the implant and cancer are related as well as whether the implant is to blame for the disease.
On Thursday, the F.D.A. warned of new cancers linked to breast implants, including textured and smooth, saline and silicone. https://t.co/I0qoBxfsi4
— NYT Health (@NYTHealth) September 9, 2022
In the United States, some 400,000 women receive breast implants each year, 100,000 of whom need reconstruction following mastectomies performed to treat or prevent breast cancer, and 300,000 for cosmetic reasons.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the numbers significantly decreased in the first year of the pandemic.
The FDA added so-called “black-box” labels to breast implants last year, alerting consumers that they have been related to a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer, autoimmune disease, joint pain, mental confusion, and muscular aches.
Breast cancer patients who have been or intend to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments—who make up a significant portion of the women who are advised to have breast reconstruction with implants—are among those who are at the highest risk for acquiring subsequent illnesses.
According to the FDA, people who smoke and women who have diabetes or lupus are also more likely to experience difficulties.
Breast asymmetry, sensitivity, or loss of sensitivity in the breast will occur in one-third of women who get breast implants. According to the FDA, one-third of implants may rupture or leak, and half of them will painfully tighten the scar tissue around them.
For over 60% of implant-related issues, a second surgery will be required.
Because of the new warning, the FDA stated on Thursday that it was not advising women to remove their breast implants. However, the organization advises women to keep an eye on their implants and to seek medical attention if they observe any unusual changes.
Following the connection of over 600 cancer cases and 33 fatalities to the company’s products, Allergan recalled textured implants.
FAQs
Can breast augmentation lead to cancer?
Breast cancer is not brought on by breast implants. They also don’t increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, studies demonstrate that women who have breast implants are more likely to develop anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). A variety of non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s is ALCL.
How many breasts implants actually cause cancer?
A rare type of cancer is ALCL. You have a very slim probability of developing ALCL even if you have implants. According to experts, the condition will affect 1 in every 50,000 women who had implants.
Can implants lead to cancer?
The FDA discovered a potential connection between breast implants and an unusual immune system disease called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This cancer is known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma when it manifests (BIA-ALCL).
Should my breast implants be taken out?
Breast implants must be replaced or removed around every 10 to 15 years because they are not permanent medical devices.
