Every year, thousands of women get breast implants for a number of reasons ranging from reconstructive to cosmetic.

Textured breast implants are a popular choice because they feel and look natural, but now these same implants have been linked with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which forms in the scar capsule around the implant.

The Guardian reports that cancer normally begins with pain and swelling in the breast.

Women who have had the implants removed can make a full recovery. If left untreated, cancer can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening.

There is growing concern about the effects of the implants, with figures collected by plastic surgeons suggesting there have been at least 615 cases of the disease associated with breast implants, and 16 deaths.

In France, where 85% of the breast implants used in women are textured, the health regulator, ANSM, has recommended surgeons switch to smooth implants while the links are investigated.

In the UK, where a majority of implants are textured, there have been 45 confirmed cases of lymphoma linked to them and one fatality.

The health regulator estimates that, on average, one in 24 000 women is at risk of cancer with the implants, but this number is not necessarily accurate.

Paul Harris, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said: “What I tell patients is that there is a link between textured implants and BIA [breast implant associated]-ALCL, and that the figure given in the UK is about one in 30,000, but I say some reports suggest the risk is higher than that.

“Some reports have suggested it may be as much as one in 2,500 or one in 3,000 for some textured implants. In the least risky types of textured implants it is lower: one in 50,000 or 60,000.”

The maker of the implants, Allergan, says that it is committed to investing in and supporting research into the link to cancer.

“While these efforts to enhance understanding and awareness are ongoing, we continue to support the needs of patients and their surgeons.”

Another maker, Mentor, said it was important for patients to understand the benefits and potential risks of the different types of implants.

“The newest generation of shaped breast implants are textured to reduce movement of the implant. Textured implants have other benefits in reducing complications, which may require reoperation, that occur much more frequently than BIA-ALCL, including capsular contracture.”

Overall, if you have textured implants and are experiencing continued discomfort or swelling, it might be best to make an appointment with your doctor.

[source:guardian]