Study Reveals Rare Blood Cancer Can Be Caused By Breast Implants

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Breast implants, normally made of a layer of silicone and are filled with saline solution or silicone gel, are a common way of breast augmentation among women. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that they have received reports of at least nine deaths with more than 350 cases of a rare blood cancer that has been linked to these implants, Fox News reported.

The cases occur more frequently with patients whose implants have textured surfaces, with pain and swelling associated and may occur years after the surgery has healed. Physicians have been advised by the FDA to provide a routine care for their patients with breast implants to help prevent blood cancer. On the other hand, patients without symptoms or other abnormalities should not have their implants removed as recommended.

According to CNN, the very rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma affects cells in the immune system and may be found lying around the breast implant. It can be found in lymph nodes and is not considered as a type of breast cancer. The FDA recommends that patients with implants should get themselves checked and should look for medical attention if there is any matter of concern.

Individuals that are considering having a breast implant surgery should do their research first, and discuss with their surgeons about the risks involving the process. The patients are advised to monitor their implants for any changes and should get regular screenings such as mammograms or MRIs to help prevent the rare blood cancer. Awareness of the complications coinciding breast implants before going into surgery is the best possible solution to avoid any problems, said Science Times. The different benefits and risks of both textured implants and smooth implants need to be shared with patients before undergoing any surgery.