Breast implants have been widely used worldwide since 1965. Patient data collected during this period were evaluated and no significant relationship was found between breast cancer and breast implants. Statements have been made by reputable healthcare organizations such as the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that there is no evidence of breast implants causing breast cancer.
What Is BIA-ALCL?
In recent years, cases of immune system-induced tumors originating from the capsule that developed around the breast implants have been reported. This tumor, called Breast Implant-Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA- ALCL), is not breast cancer but is due to the capsule that develops around the implant. So far, 359 patients with ALCL around the breast implant have been identified. Considering that approximately 10-11 million women have breast implants in the world, it can be said that its incidence is about one in three hundred thousand. This very rare tumor is generally slow and well progressed. If detected early, it can be successfully treated surgically by removing the implant and the surrounding capsule. All patients who have been treated properly have gained their health. The disease is caused by the capsule, which hardens and distorts the shape of the breast. Implants with a rough surface are more likely to develop around implants.
What Should I do If I am Planning to Have Breast Augmentation?
Patients planning a breast implant surgery should ask their physicians for detailed information about the properties and risks of implants placed on their bodies. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma due to a breast implant is one of these risks. It is a very rare condition and when it occurs, the breast implant and capsule must be surgically cleaned.
What Should I do with My Implant?
Follow-up is very important after breast implant application. Regular clinical and radiological follow-up of the breast should be performed before and after the operation. They should notify their doctors without delay in situations such as pain, mass, swelling, fluid sensation, asymmetry, and shape changes in the breast. All of the ALCL cases that were diagnosed early and received the correct treatment were cured.
What is the Treatment of This?
Patients who have had breast implants before and do not have a problem do not need to do anything, except that they do not disrupt their control. Both the World Health Organization and the FDA do not recommend any medical or surgical treatment for patients without problems. Patients who have problems such as stiffness, deformity, and serious asymmetry in their implants should consult their physicians. Appropriate treatment will be arranged after the clinical and radiological examination. In patients with significant breast deformation due to capsule development, appropriate treatment is to remove the implant with the capsule and send the capsule and fluid to histopathological and cytological examination.
If you suspect any of the symptoms that I pointed out above please contact us.