Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) & Textured Breast Implants
Last summer, Dr. Alexander Ereso blogged about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare form of lymphoma reported in a small number of women with textured breast implants.
Since breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed at our practice, Dr. Ereso wants to keep prospective and current patients up to date on the latest news involving ALCL and textured breast implants.
FDA Will Not Ban the Sale of Textured Implants
In early May, the FDA announced they would not ban the sale of textured implants, saying there was not enough data about the risk of the implants to justify a ban. Their decision came after years of gathering information from implant manufacturers, researchers and patients claiming their implants made them ill. In March, the FDA hosted a two-day public hearing in which they heard from researchers, surgeons and patients with breast implants – some of whom asked the FDA to pull the implants off the market.
In a statement from Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D., and Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the FDA acknowledged their efforts to understand the concerns specific to textured implants and the risk of BIA-ALCL. They also acknowledged patient concerns that their implants are connected to health conditions affecting their immune system and causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, cognitive issues and joint pain.
The FDA claimed they do not have definitive evidence demonstrating breast implants cause these symptoms. They did acknowledge that some women experience symptoms that may improve or resolve when the implants are removed (or “explanted” ).
Are You Considering Implants?
If you are considering breast implants, the FDA recommends you carefully consider all potential risks and talk about them with your doctor. They are considering taking additional actions like adding a “black-box” warning to implants, or making changes to the informed consent process before surgery, although those changes have not yet gone into effect.
Do You Have Implants?
If you have textured implants, you should follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions regarding regular imaging to check your implants and look for any signs of a problem. If you notice a change in the way one or both of your breasts look or feel, you should book an appointment with your doctor immediately for an examination.
Contact Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Dr. Ereso is always available to answer any of your questions or address your concerns about breast implants. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us at any time.
