Do Breast Implants Pose a Risk of Breast Cancer?

When women intend to restore their breast shape and size after pregnancy, align asymmetrical breasts, or enlarge naturally small breasts, they undergo Breast Implant Surgery (Mammoplasty).

In this process, either a Silicone gel-filled implant or a Saline implant is placed inside the breasts to augment their physical form through a surgical procedure. In some cases, any alternate composite prosthesis filling may also be used as per requirement.

Like any other surgery, people do worry about the after-effects of breast implant surgery too. Complications like infection, pain and hardening are common, but the biggest worry that haunts people is the risk of breast cancer.

Dr. Amit Gandhi is a prominent doctor in this field. If you are looking for the best cancer surgeons in Mumbai, then Dr. Amit is certainly one of them. Do not hesitate to contact him to get a well-guided treatment plan for your problem.

So, is it true that breast implants trigger the chances of breast cancer?

The good news is that the FDA has not found any direct connection between breast implants and breast cancer, connective tissue diseases, or reproductive problems.

Nevertheless, the FDA in 2019 intimated that Allergan manufactured implants could cause a rare condition of breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma ( BIA-ALCL). There were 573 cases reported, with 33 deaths all over the world.

What is ALCL?

ALCL (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is a non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and a subtype of T-cell lymphoma. It is a type of cancer that may onset in your immune system and may get even stronger in the blood cells. ALCL causes the white blood cells (T cells and B cells) to grow abnormally.

ALCL Lymphoma is categorized as ALK-positive and ALK-negative. ALK-positive is generally found in children and young adults, whereas ALK-negative ALCL is majorly linked with breast implants and affects older adults.

Indications you may have developed ALCL

You may conveniently consider a consultation with Dr. Amit for the best cancer treatment, in case you have been noticing the following signs:

• Swelling in lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Skin abrasions that don’t heal

Some ALCL symptoms that may be related to breast implants:

• Asymmetrical breasts
• Sudden appearance of a lump near or around the implant
• Persistently swollen breasts
• Pain or tenderness in the implant
• Hair loss
• Getting exhausted easily

How is an ALCL diagnosed?

Having dealt with more than 3000 complicated cancer cases, Dr. Amit Gandhi is one of the best cancer surgeons in Mumbai. To diagnose if an ALCL infection is developing in the blood cells, Dr. Amit may suggest an ultrasound or an MRI.

If too much fluid exists around the implant, a small sample of it might be extracted for lab testing. And if there is a mass that has developed, Dr. Amit Gandhi may go ahead with a tissue biopsy after a detailed evaluation.

ALCL prospectives

Thankfully, there has been no evidence proving that breast implants increase breast cancer possibilities.

However, a 2020 study states that textured implants could pose a higher risk of breast cancer than smooth-surfaced implants. In fact, a textured implant is six times riskier than its counterpart. The reason behind the difference is still unknown. It is said that genetic factors could also be an amplifier to it.

But is breast cancer the primary reason for any change noticed in the appearance of the implants?

With time, implants’ shape and size might not feel the same due to scar tissues. The implants also may not feel right as they may get ruptured or suffer an infection, and breast cancer might not necessarily be the reason. Unfortunately, such changes in implants are quite common.

Moreover, if you have no symptoms, the best cancer surgeons or even the FDA does not recommend removing or replacing the implants.

Furthermore, research studies reveal that breast implants do not intimidate breast cancer. Only 1 in 10,000 women get breast cancer or develop the risk of one with breast implants. Thus, the ratio is very low, and the chances are rare.

Having mentioned all of the above, you must not ignore signs that appear to be unnatural. Seeing a specialist should not be a bad idea. Early diagnosis can treat ALCL and cure it completely. So, if you suspect any symptom, contact Dr. Amit Gandhi, who is renowned for his extensive experience delivering precise breast cancer treatments for a decade.