Warning issued for women with breast implants
An urgent warning has been issued by health authorities after a link was found between breast implants and a rare cancer.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been found in a small number of women who have undergone breast reconstruction surgeries, with the cancer developing between three and 14 years after the procedure.
The cancer cells usually grow in the fluid and scar tissue that develops around the implant.
Safer Care Victoria issued a public safety notice that urges women who have undergone the procedure to keep an eye out for swelling, caused by fluid around the implant, and any pain, rashes, or lumps.
“Please speak to your GP immediately if you notice a chance, as this cancer is highly curable if diagnosed and treated early,” Safer Care Victoria said in a statement.
“If you don’t have symptoms, there is no need to remove your implants. Removal of implants, as well as the use of anaesthetics, come with a surgical risk.”
According to experts, the risk of developing BIA-ALCL depends on the type of implant used, with the risk estimated to be between one in 1000 and one in 10,000.
Though the cause of BIA-ALCL is still unconfirmed, the prevailing theory is that bacterial contamination occurs when the implant is inserted or in the period just after surgery, causing a low-grade bacterial biofilm. According to the theory, the biofilm causes chronic irritation over time that triggers the body’s immune system which causes the number of lymphocyte cells to rapidly increase. The lymphocyte cells can then transform into cancer cells and become ALCL.
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is aware of 76 cases of BIA-ALCL nationally, while New Zealand’s Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority has recorded six cases.