Researchers from the United Kingdom recently published a review that revealed an association between breast implant surgery and anaplastic larger cell lymphoma.
While the risk is small and still unsubstantiated, with the number of women who undergo breast implants each year, there needs to be an increased awareness of this possibility is needed, according to Asha Rupani, MBBS, MD, MSc and his colleagues (Rupani, 2015).
During research, Rupani and colleagues performed a search of the PubMed database for any case studies that showed an association of lymphomas, which is a type of cancer that affects the lymph system (lymphatic system which is part of our immune system) and breast implants.
Lymphoma is the generic term that refers to a group of blood cell tumors that develop from lymphatic cells. Often, the term refers to just the cancerous ones rather than all such tumors; however, it should be noted there are many different types of lymphomas.
During the search of the database, 83 cases (65 within the past seven years) were identified. Sixty-six of the cases had an ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) type that was negative for the protein anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving abnormal T-cells.
According to the review, “Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion during follow up for implant-related tumors in patients who exhibit pain, sudden enlargement, or recurrent effusions.” What this means is that physicians should pay careful attention to any patients, who after receiving a breast implant, experiences pain, swelling and/or leakage.
Conclusions
The overall conclusion of the study indicates that while thousands of women undergo breast implant procedures, the data shows that there is a very small risk of developing lymphoma. Prospective patients who are considering implants should be made aware of the possible risk.
Dr. Thomas Wright of Laser Lipo and Vein Center says, “It appears manmade implants are associated with a small risk of developing lymphoma. This risk is seen with all types of manmade implants including saline and silicone implants.” He continues, “However, this risk has not been seen with breast enhancements performed using fat transfer or fat grafting.”
If you would like to know more about this study or are interested in breast enhancements, please contact the staff at Laser Lipo and Vein. Dr. Wright and his staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have about this type of procedure.
Rupani, A. (2015). Lymphomas Associated with Breast Implants: A Review of the Literature. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 533-544. doi:10.1093/asj/sjv016