Women with breast implants, and those considering breast augmentation procedures, are taking special note of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s announcement about the possibility of breast implants being associated with the development of a rare form of cancer- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). According to the National Cancer Institute, ALCL is not a form of breast cancer, but a rare cancer that can develop in various parts of the body including lymph nodes and skin. The information released by the FDA states that women with breast implants may have an increased risk of developing ALCL in the scar capsule that forms in the tissue around the implant.
There have been 34 cases of this rare cancer reported in women with silicone and saline breast implants since these studies were first published in 1997. The cancer is so rare that only 3 in 100 million women with breast implants have been diagnosed with ALCL in their breasts scar tissue nationwide. Because there is so little clinical research currently available on this topic, the FDA plans to work with plastic surgeons to further investigate.
In the mean time, the FDA asks surgeons to report any cases of ALCL in patients with breast implants. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is partnering with the FDA to establish a Breast Implant Registry to facilitate further research. Right now, the FDA still believes breast implants are safe, but they do need to be monitored. Normal care routines, consisting of mammograms and MRI’s, are continuing to be recommended regularly for women with breast implants.
Dr. John LeRoy hopes this information will raise patient awareness rather than alarm them. There are always risks and benefits associated with plastic surgery, and Dr. LeRoy believes patients should assess these prior to surgery. He gives prospective patients ample information to make educated decisions about undergoing cosmetic surgery. If you have breast implants or are planning to have a breast enhancement surgery, Dr. LeRoy suggests following your doctor’s advised care instructions and doing plenty of research instead of letting these speculations deter you.
This information may make patients apprehensive about plastic surgery, but it does not have to be all-enveloping. There are many plastic surgery procedures that don’t even require implants or the addition of synthetic materials into the body, some of which are so non-invasive they can be performed right in Dr. LeRoy’s office under local anesthesia. Dr. LeRoy has spent years perfecting Band Aid procedures including: Band Aid Liposuction, Band Aid Tummy Tuck, Band Aid Facelift, Band Aid Brow Lift, and Band Aid Blepharoplasty. These “mini” procedures are much less invasive than the traditional versions. For more information on the plastic surgery procedures that Dr. LeRoy performs, visit his website or contact his office.
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