Cancer
If you are considering implants, it’s important to understand their safety and risks, including any connection they might have to cancer. If you are currently being treated for breast cancer and have a mastectomy scheduled, you might also want to learn more about the use of implants in reconstructive surgery.
Breast Augmentation and Cancer Concerns
The Safety of Breast Implants
Do Breast Implants
Cause Breast Cancer?
Neither saline nor silicone-filled implants cause breast cancer. The FDA has found no connection between breast implants and any type of breast cancer. Research from the Susan G. Komen Foundation backs up the FDA’s findings.
In fact, the foundation points to studies that seem to suggest that women with breast implants seem to have lower rates of breast cancer than women without implants. There could be many reasons for reduced cancer rates in these studies, though.
When Should You Change Your Breast Implants?
What Is Breast Cancer?
SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN
One of the most common signs of breast cancer is a new lump in the breast or near the armpit. Often, cancerous lumps aren’t painful and feel uneven or jagged. Although a lump that is painful or smooth is often benign, it could also be a sign of cancer, which is why it’s important to see a doctor if you notice any new lumps or masses in your breast.
SELF-EXAMINATION FOR LUMPS
When looking for lumps, it’s important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous. In some cases, the feel of your breasts can change due to hormone fluctuations or changes in your weight. It’s important to know what your breasts feel like normally when looking for lumps or performing a breast self-exam.
Other Potential Indicators
- A change in the texture or appearance of the breast skin (for examples of this, see inflammatory breast cancer rash pictures)
- Painful nipples or nipples that pull inward
- Bleeding or other discharge from the nipples (not milk)
- A change in the breast’s shape or size
- Swelling of the breast or lymph nodes under the arm
Screening for Breast Cancer
SELF-EXAMS
CLINICAL EXAMS
Not all women perform self-exams and they aren’t always an effective tool for detecting cancer. Another option is to have a physician perform a clinical exam during an annual physical or check-up, feeling the breasts for any changes.
THE MAMMOGRAM
The gold standard in breast cancer screening is the mammogram, which takes an X-ray image of the breasts. Mammograms can pick up tumors that are too small to be felt during a clinical or self-exam, making them vital for early detection.
WHEN TO START SCREENING
When to start having mammograms depends on several factors, such as your family history of breast cancer and your overall risk. Often, the imaging procedure is recommended for women starting at the age of 40.
STAYING SAFE
How Do Women With
Implants Check for Breast Cancer?
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Some women with breast implants complain of symptoms of a condition that’s been labeled breast implant illness (BII). BII isn’t a type of cancer and is poorly understood. It might have nothing to do with the presence of implants and could be a result of an autoimmune disease or fluctuating hormone levels.
Schedule A Consultation
What Is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?
While there’s no evidence to suggest a link between breast cancer and breast implants, there does seem to be a connection between certain types of silicone implants and a type of lymphoma known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA ALCL). ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer that affects our immune systems. According to the Mayo Clinic, ALCL can develop anywhere in the body but most often forms in the skin or lymph nodes. In cases of BIA ALCL, cancer often develops next to an implant, in the scar tissue.
It’s important to note that ALCL is not cancer, but a type of lymphoma. It’s also important to stress that though there seems to be a link between ALCL and certain types of implants, this type of cancer is still very rare. As WebMD notes, up to 96% of women with BIA ALCL have textured implants. The rate of occurrence is around one in 50,000 women. During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will get to know your health history and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Textured Implants
vs. Smooth Implants
In addition to being filled with silicone or saline, implants can have a smooth or textured outer shell. There seems to be a connection between textured implants and the risk of BIA ALCL but the exact link between the two isn’t clear.
Should You Remove Textured Implants?
Treating BIA ALCL
Treatment for BIA ALCL depends on how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread or not. In the early stages, treatment might involve removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue. You might also need chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the situation, an experimental clinical trial for treatment might be available.
WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
Some women with breast implants complain of symptoms of a condition that’s been labeled breast implant illness (BII). BII isn’t a type of cancer and is poorly understood. It might have nothing to do with the presence of implants and could be a result of an autoimmune disease or fluctuating hormone levels.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Breast size has decreased as a natural part of the aging process
- Breasts have deflated after having children
- Breasts are naturally small or lack symmetry
- Breasts do not project or are shaped in a way you’re unhappy with
CancerFAQ
Reconstructive surgery with implants is by far the most common type of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. While women can choose between saline or silicone implants, silicone tends to be more popular because of its softer, more natural feel.
The risks that come with receiving implants after breast cancer are relatively low. As with all surgeries, there is the risk of infection or bleeding. Some types of implants are linked to BIA ALCL but the risk of developing lymphoma after implant surgery is very, very low.
You can have breast augmentation even if you have a family history of breast cancer. In fact, some women who have a higher risk of cancer due to their genes and family history decide to have preventative mastectomies and to use implants to reconstruct the breasts afterward.
While there’s no way to eliminate the risk of breast cancer entirely, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can all help reduce the risk of cancer. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, can also help you detect cancer in the earliest stages when it’s easiest to treat.
Learn More About theRisks and Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you get answers to your questions about breast implants, breast cancer, and lymphoma causes.
Whether you have implants already and are concerned about their safety or are considering breast augmentation but want more information, a consultation with a plastic surgeon can put your mind at ease. To get started, reach out to us at our Houston location and set up your consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.