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FDA Reports Risk of Lymphoma From Breast Implants

Posted on February 08, 2019

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Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

The FDA reports additional cases of cancer linked to breast implants. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a known risk from breast implants. In 2011, the FDA was the first public health agency in the world to communicate about the risks of BIA-ALCL, warning women that the available information at the time indicated that there is a risk for women with breast implants for developing this disease.

The FDA hopes that this information prompts providers and patients to have important, informed conversations about breast implants and the risk of BIA-ALCL.

At least 457 women in the United States have so far been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Of those, nine have died as a result of the rare cancer, which affects cells in the immune system and can be found around the breast implant.

People who are considering getting the surgery should do their research and discuss with their surgeons the risks and benefits of textured- and smooth-surfaced implants, the FDA has warned in the past. It said those who have breast implants should monitor them for any changes and get routine screenings such as mammograms or MRIs.