(NaturalHealth365)  Breast augmentation is the leading type of cosmetic surgery in the United States.  In light of its growing popularity, an important question needs to be asked: how can a breast implant lead to cancer?

A recent study provides an overview of the serious health risks associated with breast implant surgery, focusing on three main complications: Breast Implant Illness (BII), breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), and breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC).

Rates on the rise: Immune system cancer linked to a breast implant procedure

The link between cancer and breast implants isn’t new – at least not to the FDA, who reported on it as early as 2011.  In their press release in 2019, the FDA announced that over the past 8 years, they’ve received 660 reports of a type of cancer believed to be caused by breast implants.

The cancer, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), isn’t classified as breast cancer per se.  Rather, it’s a rare type of T-cell lymphoma or cancer of the immune system.  BIA-ALCL appears to develop inside the scar tissue adjacent to the breast implant.

The FDA’s count of 660 reported cases is nearly 250 more than what was reported the year prior.  Much of this is due to an increased number of healthcare providers and patients reporting incidences of BIA-ALCL, thanks to a call for greater awareness of the health issue.

It should be noted that some cases were reported more than once.  But, even so, the FDA figures still confirm nearly 460 unique cases of BIA-ALCL – 9 of which have resulted in death.

To their credit, the FDA also released a letter to healthcare providers – including those in the fields of cosmetic surgery, general surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, and general/family practice – in an extended effort to “increase awareness about an association between all breast implants, regardless of filling or texture, and … BIA-ALCL.”

In their letter, the FDA also nods to a “significant body of medical literature” about this lymphoma, which appears to affect women who have had both textured and smooth-surfaced implants.

Why surgeons MUST warn their patients about this potential cancer risk from a breast implant

Fortunately, BIA-ALCL is relatively rare.  But does this mean women who have had or are thinking about having breast augmentation don’t need to worry about it?

To help you answer that question, just take a look at the information found in a 2017 systematic review published in JAMA Surgery.  The authors of the paper reported an estimated prevalence of BIA-ALCL as anywhere from 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 30,000 women with breast implants – with the authors acknowledging that the former estimate is probably the more accurate one!

Based on this unsettling data, the authors rightly conclude that surgeons should discuss the potential risk of BIA-ALCL with any patient prior to undergoing breast augmentation.

Standards of care must be initiated that emphasize “routine surveillance after implantation” so women and their healthcare providers are aware of the early signs and symptoms of lymphoma.  This will improve the chances of earlier diagnosis, early treatment, and better outcomes.

In the meantime, the authors point out that an increased follow-up and surveillance will likely lead to “a further rise in this diagnosis.”

Hidden risks and long-term consequences of breast implants

While the cancer risks associated with breast implants have garnered significant attention, there are other potential complications and long-term consequences that women considering breast augmentation should be aware of:

1. Capsular contracture:  This is a common complication where the tissue around the implant hardens, potentially causing pain and distortion of the breast shape.  It can occur in a significant percentage of patients within a decade of implantation.
2. Implant rupture:  Both silicone and saline implants can rupture, though the rates and consequences differ.  Silicone implants tend to have higher rupture rates over time.
3. Chronic pain:  A considerable number of women report experiencing persistent breast pain years after implantation.
4. Autoimmune symptoms:  There have been concerns about a potential link between silicone breast implants and certain autoimmune diseases.  Some studies suggest higher rates of conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis among women with silicone implants.
5. Mental health impact:  Research has indicated that women with breast implants may experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those without implants.
6. Breastfeeding difficulties:  While many women with implants can breastfeed successfully, some may experience difficulties, particularly those with incisions around the nipple area.
7. Need for reoperation:  A significant percentage of women who receive breast implants for augmentation may need to have them removed or replaced within a decade.
8. Loss of nipple sensation:  Some women experience altered sensation in their nipples after breast augmentation, which can be temporary or permanent.

It’s crucial for women considering breast implants to discuss these potential risks and long-term consequences with their healthcare providers.  While many women report satisfaction with their breast implants, it’s important to make an informed decision based on a full understanding of both the benefits and potential risks involved in the procedure.  Healthcare providers and regulatory bodies continue to monitor and study these issues to provide the most up-to-date information to patients.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Livescience.com
FDA.gov
FDA.gov
JAMAnetwork.com