Small, but a risk
Breast implants are linked to a rare cancer of the immune system even more than previously thought
Dmitry Mazalevsky, Naked Science
In the USA, about 400 thousand breast augmentation procedures are performed annually: this number has grown by about a third since the beginning of the century. Scientists warn that such operations increase the chances of developing a rare type of lymphoma that affects several hundred women a year.
Eight years ago, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first reported a suspicious link between breast implants and a rare cancer of the immune system. In recent years, there has been more evidence of this connection: scientists now have 457 confirmed cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in women who have had implants installed in recent years.
An updated statement is now available on the FDA's website, based on a recent study of medical equipment reports, in which patients and healthcare providers are advised to be aware of the potential risks associated with breast surgery.
"After a thorough analysis of the data, we report that as of September 2018, the agency has received a total of 660 medical device reports on cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, BIA-ALCL) associated with breast implants in the United States since 2010. Our in-depth analysis of 660 reports on medical devices shows that 457 unique cases of BIA–ALCL have been identified, including nine patient deaths," the agency said in a statement.
The exact nature of the connection between implants and lymphoma, as well as the cause itself, scientists have yet to establish. Usually, implants are installed under the breast tissue or even under the underlying muscles, as a result of which the body forms a protective capsule – in most cases, signs of the disease were found near the implant and under this capsule.
The statement says that despite the low number of detected cases of BIA-ALCL compared to about 1.5 million patients who receive breast implants worldwide annually, confirmed data and published information analyzed to date suggest that patients with breast implants have an increased risk of developing this type of cancer.
Scientists suggest that not all implants carry the same risk. Studies conducted over the past decade show that, depending on the type of device, the probability of developing ALCL from textured implants can range from one in 3,817 to one in 30,000 cases. However, the numbers vary. For example, the Royal College of Radiologists of Australia and New Zealand suggests that the incidence of all types of implants is much higher: from about one per 1,000 to 10,000.
ALCL is a cancer of the immune system. Technically, there are several varieties, but they are all caused by aberrant leukocytes. Cases of ALCL among adults account for only three percent of all Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, NHL), which makes it a relatively rare disease. However, depending on the subtype, the prognosis may be good: survival rate up to 95 percent in five years.
Early diagnosis can be crucial in many cases, which is why the FDA urges vigilance for signs of swelling, lumps or unexpected pain around implants.
"We encourage patients to view our website and read the labeling of a particular device. The decision about breast augmentation surgery is a personal choice of everyone, which patients and specialists should make based on individual needs and having the most complete information about products," the statement says.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru