Breast implants can cause cancer or increase the risk of the disease?

Breast implants linked to a higher risk of particular cancer

Breast and other cancers that only affect females have been diagnosed in more women, and these patients often have not celebrated more than 30 birthdays. There is an increase in such diseases, and patients get younger each year. It is great that diagnosis gets announced at earlier stages so people can treat the cancer as soon as it is diagnosed and live on.

These early diagnoses are promising, and people are happy to get treatments as soon as it is diagnosed. Early stages of cancer can be treated, and patients get put in remission pretty quickly. However, hearing that people get blood cancer, breast or cervical cancers in their late twenties or even earlier is depressing.

In this new technology age when everything comes to social media out feeds often are filled with stories from real people struggling with these issues and their health scares. Social media personalities talk about their early diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments, other methods that doctors decide to use.

These public figures reveal that their choices in life, like enhancing their appearance with breast implants or undergoing treatments with hormones for their fertility, might have caused the highest risk of cancer. Often, these cancer diagnoses are linked to hormonal IVF treatments and other things that women choose to use and rely on. Recent research reveals if breast implants can cause cancer or at least increase the risk of getting it.

Research has shown that breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer^[1]. However, certain types of implants, particularly those with textured surfaces, may raise the risk of developing a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

Certain types of breast implants can heighten the risk of cancer

While breast implants are generally safe, some studies have linked them to a slight increase in the risk of developing ALCL. It's important to note that this is not breast cancer, which develops in the breast tissue, but a rare immune system cancer that can occur in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant.

ALCL is a very rare condition, making up only about 1% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases and 16% of T-cell lymphomas. As of 2023, there have been 1,264 reported cases of breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) worldwide, resulting in 63 deaths.

BIA-ALCL develops near the implant and spreads like other cancers if not treated. A 2021 review of studies found that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL varies depending on the implant manufacturer and whether the implant is textured. The estimated risk ranges from 1 in 355 to 1 in 51,000 for those with textured implants in the United States.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned healthcare providers about the link between all breast implants and BIA-ALCL, regardless of the implant's filling or texture. The FDA reported 573 cases of BIA-ALCL globally, with 33 resulting in death. Of these cases, 481 involved Allergan breast implants. Consequently, Allergan voluntarily recalled its Biocell saline and silicone-filled textured breast implants and tissue expanders in July 2019^[2].

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of cancer that can manifest in different forms, each with distinct symptoms and areas of the body it affects. When ALCL affects the whole body, known as systemic ALCL, common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss.

There are particular type of this cancer. Cutaneous ALCL primarily targets the skin, leading to noticeable skin lesions that are slow to heal or don’t heal at all. Breast Implant-Associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) is another form of this disease, which occurs in individuals with breast implants. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL can include things like persistent swelling of breast tissue, lumps or masses near the implant, changed appearance of the breast, or tenderness. These symptoms can emerge at any time after breast implant surgery but often take years to appear.

If a doctor suspects BIA-ALCL, they might recommend an ultrasound or MRI to examine the area around the implant. If there’s fluid buildup, a fine needle aspiration may be used to collect a sample for testing. In cases where a mass is present, a tissue biopsy is necessary. These samples are then sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

Breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer or any other cancer than ALCL

While breast implants have not been shown to increase the risk of other types of cancer, including breast cancer, there are concerns regarding the recurrence of breast cancer in patients with certain types of implants. A 2020 study indicated a potential link between textured implants and a higher risk of breast cancer relapse, though more research is needed to establish this connection^[3].

Breast implants can sometimes change in shape or feel over time, usually due to scar tissue, infection, or rupture. These changes are typically not cancer-related, but it’s crucial to consult a doctor if you notice any alterations. Any change to your body, including additives like breast implants, needs to be checked and constantly monitored.

Research suggests that textured breast implants may carry a higher risk of BIA-ALCL compared to smooth surface implants. The FDA has estimated that the risk of BIA-ALCL with Allergan Biocell textured implants is six times higher than with other textured implants. However, the exact cause of this increased risk remains unclear; it could be due to the rough surface causing inflammation or genetic factors.

Importantly, there is no significant difference in the risk of BIA-ALCL between silicone and saline implants, though large-scale studies are still needed for further evaluation. Following concerns, Allergan recalled its Biocell textured breast implants in 2019. However, the FDA does not recommend removing these implants if you are not experiencing symptoms.

As time passes, the likelihood of complications from breast implants increases, but the overall risk of developing BIA-ALCL remains low. If you have textured breast implants or are unsure of the type you have, it’s advisable to discuss this with your doctor. Regular check-ups are essential to detect any potential issues early.

Warning signs of BIA-ALCL include:

• Persistent swelling from fluid accumulation
• A lump or mass in or around the breast or underarm
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Tightness or firmness in the breast
• Changes in breast shape or size.

It might be crucial to seek help as early as noticing the first symptoms. Treatment for BIA-ALCL usually involves surgical removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue. The sooner the diagnosis is confirmed, the easier treatment can be. If the cancer has spread, additional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary. Regular medical follow-ups and early intervention are key to managing the risks associated with breast implants and ALCL.