Breast Implant Cancer
FDA – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new update concerning new reports of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) discovered in the capsule (scar tissue) that develops around breast implants. Back on September 8, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration published a new safety communication notifying the public of incidents concerning different types of lymphomas and squamous cell carcinomas discovered in the breast implant scar tissue of many breast implant patients. These lymphomas are different from the lymphomas previously described by the FDA as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
What is Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a form of rapidly developing skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells, which are the flat cells that make up the outermost layer of the skin. SCC usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, lips, and backs of the hands. However, SCC can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, and genital area.
SCC usually appears as a thick, scaly, or crusted lesion that may be red or pink in color. The lesion may bleed easily or form an ulcer. SCC can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, although this is rare.
Treatment for SCC usually involves surgical removal of the lesion, although other treatments, such as radiation therapy, may also be used depending on the location and severity of the cancer. The prognosis for SCC is generally good if the cancer is caught early and treated promptly.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a dangerous form of cancer that forms in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that helps to fight infections and diseases in the body. Lymphoma occurs when the cells of the lymphatic system, known as lymphocytes, grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that typically begins in the lymph nodes in the neck, chest, or armpits. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a more common type of lymphoma that can begin in any part of the body where lymph tissue is found, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus.
The symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, but may include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Itching
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis of lymphoma typically involves a biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. Treatment for lymphoma usually depends on the type and stage of the cancer, and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or stem cell transplant. The prognosis for lymphoma can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as various factors such as age and overall health.
What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been associated with certain types of breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, but rather a cancer of the immune system that can develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant.
BIA-ALCL usually develops years after the initial breast implant surgery, and is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, pain, and fluid accumulation around the breast implant. In some cases, BIA-ALCL may also cause lumps in the breast or armpit.
While the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is considered to be low, it is important for women with breast implants to be aware of the potential risk and to monitor their breasts for any changes or symptoms. The FDA recommends that women with breast implants receive regular medical check-ups and report any signs of breast implant-associated complications to their healthcare provider.
Treatment for BIA-ALCL typically involves surgical removal of the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy or radiation is recommended. The prognosis for BIA-ALCL is generally good if the cancer is caught early and treated promptly.
Cases of Breast Implant SCC Are on the Rise
The FDA stated that it is aware of at least 19 cases of breast implant-related SCC. Moreover, there are documented fatalities connected to this medical crisis. Medical professionals and people with or considering breast implantation need to be made aware of the risk of developing SCC and lymphomas. The FDA will continue to ask medical providers and people who have been implanted with saline or silicone gel-filled breast implants to report cases of lymphomas, SCC, or any other cancers that develop near their breast implants to the FDA.
The FDA also reminded breast implant patients that “breast implants are not lifetime devices and the longer you have your breast implants, the more likely it will be for you to have them removed or replaced.”
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