U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a warning on Friday that links breast implants to even more forms of cancer than previously known. Prior to this warning, the FDA had already cautioned against the link between breast implants and cancer, which is known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). These new reports from FDA suggest that there may be connections between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and numerous other lymphomas.
A plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as an assistant professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Haripriya S. Ayyala stated, “Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) is a very rare but potentially aggressive tumor that can spread to local tissues and distant sites. To date, there are only 16 reported cases of BIA-SCC, so it is difficult to determine which factors increase the risk for this disease.”
The risk factors surrounding cancer in breast implants are uncertain. According to the FDA, the occurrence of the aforementioned types of cancer in the implant capsule is infrequent. However, the precise rate of incidence is not known.
Dr. Constance M. Chen, who is a board-certified breast reconstruction specialist and plastic surgeon, says that the connection between breast implants and cancer is quite rare as under 30 cases of unexpected lymphoma and under 20 instances of carcinoma have been reported. She mentioned that it impacts the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
FDA reported that when the implants were approved, there were certain reports of lymphomas and SCC in the capsule surrounding the implant in two types of implants; silicone breast implants and smooth and textured breast implants. People were diagnosed years following the implantation and the symptoms included skin changes, lumps, pain, and swelling.
A 2021 report states that the median age at which the patients were diagnosed was 60, while the average time period from implant to diagnosis was 2.5 decades. Ayyala said that these problems are uncommon but also pointed out that implants are not meant to be lifelong and the complication risk increases with the age of the implant.
While the cause of these cancers is not known, scientists think the reason could be chronic inflammation and irritation from the implant itself, as well as epithelialization. BIA-ALCL is found near the implant, but it could possibly spread around the body.
The chance of developing BIA-ALCL from these implants is less but cancer can be life-threatening. Usually, the patients who suffer from this have to get scar tissue and implants removed, and go through chemotherapy.
FDA suggests learning about the risks that may come with breast implants, some of which are changes in nipple sensation, rupture and deflation, breast pain, and the need for more surgeries. As of now, FDA does not recommend anyone to remove their breast implants if there are no symptoms, according to Ayyala.
Chen says that people who require implants should inquire about what signs should they keep an eye out for regarding their implants and also consult the doctor whenever they notice any changes in the body that they think could be caused by the implants.
