Rare Cancer Linked To Saline & Silicone Breast Implants

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, both saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants may be linked to nearly 60 reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

ALCL is a rare yet aggressive type of cancer that makes up only 3 percent of lymphoma cases in adults, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

In 2010, there were 60 reports of ALCL in 5-10 million people worldwide. However, only 34 of these cases were discovered in the U.S.

It is important for people to understand that ALCL is not the same as breast cancer, but is a form of lymphoma.

Breast implant recipients have reported symptoms of ALCL years, sometimes decades, after implant surgery.

Symptoms of ALCL include:                                                                                              

·         Swelling

·         Puffiness

·         Pain and soreness

·         Lumps

·         Asymmetry of the breast

This rare cancer almost always shows up in fluid and scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant sack.

In some cases simply removing the implant and scar tissue gets rid of the disease, but some women might need chemotherapy and radiation, said Dr. William Maisel, the chief scientist and deputy director for science in the drug agency’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Since reported cases of ALCL are so minimal, women with no symptoms are simply advised to get their regular annual check-ups; and make sure to inform their general physicians about their implants.

This article is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.

For more information on ALCL log on to: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239995.htm.

For more information on breast cancer log on to: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast

Education saves lives. My prayers go out to all of the victims of breast cancer, and their family members.