Do Breast Implants Raise Your Chances of Developing Cancer?

As of right now, there is no proof that breast implants cause breast cancer. However, textured implants may raise your risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Concerning ALCL and breast implants

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first raised the possibility of a link between breast implants and cancer in 2011. Rather than being the result of breast cancer, which starts in the breast cells, this condition is caused by anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a cancer of the immune system.

One kind of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is ALCL. It is extremely uncommon, thought to represent only 1% of instances of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 16% of T cell lymphomas. As of 2023, it had resulted in 1,264 cases and 63 deaths globally.

A comprehensive evaluation for 2021 Studies cited by Trusted Source indicate a correlation between breast implants and a higher incidence of BIA-ALCL. However, the risk could change based on the texture and manufacturer of the implant.

According to the study’s authors, the risk of BIA-ALCL varies from 1:355 to 1:51,000 for Americans who had textured surface breast implants.

Healthcare professionals were notified by the FDA-Trusted Source in 2019 of a connection between BIA-ALCL and all breast implants, irrespective of filling type or texture. The organization notified physicians of 573 BIA-ALCL cases globally, including 33 fatalities.

What ALCL symptoms are present?

Systemic ALCL symptoms can include:

• enlarged lymph nodes, fever, nocturnal sweats, and weight loss
• Skin is primarily affected by cutaneous ALCL.
• Non-healing skin sores are one type of symptom.

Additional BIA-ALCL symptoms and indicators may include:

• continuous breast enlargement
• a growth or bump close to the implant
• Breast asymmetry; soreness or discomfort in the area around the implant

After breast implant surgery, symptoms can appear at any time, but they frequently take years to manifest.

In the event that your physician suspects BIA-ALCL, an MRI or ultrasound will probably be ordered.

By using a tiny needle aspiration, a sample can be taken if there is extra fluid surrounding the implant. Should a mass be present, a tissue biopsy is required. These samples are going to be tested at a lab.

Do breast implants make you more susceptible to other cancers?

There is no proof that having breast implants increases the chance of getting breast cancer or any other kind of cancer.

The recurrence of breast cancer is a question.

A 2020 investigationThe sorts of implants used for reconstruction after mastectomy were taken into account when evaluating the outcomes of breast cancer by Trusted Source. Results point to a possible connection between textured implants and an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, the researchers stated that more research is required.

Does having a particular kind of breast implant raise your risk of cancer?

According to research published in 2020, implants with textured surfaces appear to carry a higher risk than implants with flat surfaces. Expanders with a textured surface could also be problematic.

The risk of BIA-ALCL associated with Allergan Biocell textured implants was determined by the FDA to be six times higher than that of other textured implant types.

Is it appropriate to remove breast implants?

It’s likely that the Biocell textured breast implants you have were placed prior to Allergan’s 2019 recall. Nevertheless, if you don’t have any symptoms, the FDA does not advise removing implants (trusted source).

The likelihood of issues increases with the length of time you have the implants. Yet, there is little chance of BIA-ALCL.

Talking with your doctor is important if you have textured breast implants or are unsure of which sort you have. In any case, routine examinations are necessary to identify any issues early.