Cases of Cancer tied to Breast Implants

The New York Times last month in an article titled, "Cases of Cancer Tied to Breast Implants," reported more cases of an unusual cancer linked to breast implants. These were reported to the Food and Drug Administration.

The disease is not breast cancer, but a malignancy of the immune system called breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

When detected early, it can usually be cured by surgery along, by removing the implant and the capsule of scar tissue forms around it. But some women have needed more extensive treatment, with chemotherapy and radiation, and the disease can be fatal.

According to the Times, a major is swelling around the implant, which has occurred from two to 28 years after surgery, with a median of eight years.

In women with no symptoms, there is no reason to remove implants or even to screen for the disease, the FDA has stated.

For more information, check with your doctor, or research the New York Times title above.

Victor Cino