A recent report by the FDA shows that we may need to be aware of one rare form of cancer and it’s potential link to breast implants. Recently, the FDA announced that it’s investigating a possible connection between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of blood cancer affecting three out of 100 million women nationwide who do not have implants, but which has been found in 60 women out of 5-10 million worldwide who do have implants—a higher ratio.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a possible association between saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL),” the report says, “a very rare type of cancer. Data reviewed by the FDA suggest that patients with breast implants may have a very small but significant risk of SLCL in the scar capsule adjacent to the implant.”

If you’re a woman with breast implants, this is scary to hear. Remember that even though the FDA suspects a connection, they’re a long way from being sure, and even if there is one, it affects only a very small number of people. In addition, the 60 cases reported in this announcement are difficult to verify, as not all were published in scientific literature, and some may be duplicate reports. For now, the FDA is requesting more data from healthcare professionals, and has planned an update of its review in the spring of this year (2011).

The important thing when hearing news like this is not to panic. This study is a long way from being conclusive, and as we know from prior scientific studies, they can often be flat wrong. The important thing is that the FDA is checking up on it. Until we know more, they recommend that you watch for the following signs, and if you notice any, be sure to check with your doctor:

• If you have late onset, persistent fluid around the implant (a seroma), be sure your doctor rules out ALCL.
• Monitor your breast implants yourself and notify your doctor of any changes. Signs of ALCL include swelling and pain—experts say “you can’t miss it.”
• If you haven’t yet decided on reconstructive surgery or implants, discuss the health risks with your doctor.
• This cancer is extremely rare—there is no need to change your regular checkups.

Do you have breast implants? What health concerns do you have?

Photo courtesy the Digg Pirate via Flickr.com.

According to Charlene Laino of WebMD News, breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. However, little research has focused on how implants may affect treatment.

As you may know, breast-cancer treatment usually involves one of two types of surgery: either a mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed, or a lumpectomy, where only the tumor is removed, radiation applied, and the rest of the breast reconstructed. For women with implants, a mastectomy typically involves an implant exchange, whereas a lumpectomy may or may not leave the implant intact.

So far, it seems that treatment outcomes are about the same for women with and without implants, at least as far as survival and recurrence rates are concerned. Mastectomy outcomes, as well, seem about equal. For women with implants, researchers say that in the early stages of the disease, mastectomy with reconstruction—particularly if radiation is not required—has very positive outcomes, with possible lowered sensitivity in the nipple area the only downside.

There is a big difference, though, in breast appearance after breast-conserving surgery and radiation for women with implants, specifically concerning what doctors call “capsular contraction.” Scar tissue can form around the implant, hardening breast tissue, rippling skin, and changing the appearance of the breast. The changes can occur from 6-9 months after surgery, with continuing development over many years afterward. The hardening can be painful, and often requires surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.

According to Robert Kuske, a clinical professor at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and radiation oncologist at Arizona Oncology Services in Scottsdale, AZ, about 55 percent of women with breast implants experience unwanted hardening of their implants after undergoing traditional whole-breast irradiation.

Fortunately, in December of 2008, Kuske also presented findings about a new technique called “brachytherapy,” which treats breast cancer while sparing the implants. Apparently the technique has been studied for years in women without breast implants, but only recently have scientists looked at it specifically for this case. Simply put, after a lumpectomy, tiny catheters are inserted into the breast around the tumor area, through which radioactive materials are inserted, essentially killing the cancer cells without over-exposing the implant. In studies, brachytherapy was effective at treating the cancer, while implant hardening was reduced to zero.

“Compared to traditional treatments, brachytherapy offers an excellent alternative for these women,” Kuske said at the last annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. “It offers very high rates of tumor control with fewer side effects and is easier on their lifestyle.”

Results are still preliminary at this time, but this treatment gives real hope to thousands of women who desire breast-conserving surgery and who have implants. Traditionally, women may have opted to have the implant removed to avoid capsular contraction, but new options may soon give them the ability to retain what they’ve invested in the cosmetic procedure.

If you’ve had breast-cancer treatments involving implants, please share your story with us. It may help others!

Photo courtesy of Susan & her 5d via Flickr.com.