Rare Cancer Risk Behind Breast Implants

Women with breast implants are more likely to have one type of rare cancer. This rare cancer is known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

The association between breast implants and the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is known through a Dutch study published in the journal JAMA Oncology. This study was conducted because in recent years the number of women diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the breast area increased.

In this study, the study team examined data from patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the breast during the period 1990-2016. Of the 43 patients with large anaplastic cell lymphomas in the breast, 32 percent of them had breast implants. On the other hand, only one of 146 patients in the study suffered any other type of breast lymphoma.

The type of implant that may store a greater risk is the type of macro textured implants. Of the 28 cases of large anaplastic cell lymphomas in implanted women, 23 of them used macro-textured implants.

These findings suggest that women with breast implants are 421 times more likely to have large breast anaplastic cell lymphoma. The research team does not yet know the exact reason why implants are associated with an increased risk of this rare cancer. However, the team assessed that the immune system response or inflammatory reaction to the bacteria on the surface of the implant may be the trigger.

Although the likelihood of women undergoing high cell lymphoma anaplastik sufficiently high, the absolute risk of this rare disease is quite low. At age 75, only one out of every 6,920 women with implants affected by this type of cancer.

"It is important for women to be informed of their risks to large anaplastic cell lymphomas when considering implants so they can make informed decisions," explained Dr Daphne de Jong, senior researcher at VU University Medical Center.

Although the risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is low, women still need to discuss with a doctor when considering implant use. In addition, they also need to discuss the type of implant that should be used.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This rare cancer is more common in males than females. However, in recent years, the number of women diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma has increased.

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