FDA Warns of Rare Cases of Certain Cancers Linked to Breast Implants

FRIDAY, Sept. 9, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday warned doctors and their patients about rare cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas developing in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. These cancers are different from an earlier FDA warning about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Federal regulators discovered reports of the cancers as part of a routine postmarket review and cautioned that their understanding of what is going on is still evolving. So far, cases are rare: There have been fewer than 20 cases of SCC and fewer than 30 cases of various lymphomas reported in the capsule around breast implants, the FDA said.

"While the FDA believes that occurrences of SCC or various lymphomas in the capsule around the breast implant may be rare, health care providers and people who have or are considering breast implants should be aware that cases have been reported to the FDA and in the literature," the FDA said in its warning.

Symptoms of these cancers can include swelling, pain, lumps, or skin changes. Cases have included those happening in women who have had implants for years. Reports have been made for both saline and silicone breast implants, as well as for those that are textured and smooth.

Women who have or are considering implants do not need to change their routine medical care but should learn more about the risks and benefits of breast implants, the FDA said. Women should also monitor their implants for as long as they have them and call their surgeon or other health care provider promptly if they notice any changes.

The FDA is not suggesting women remove their implants because of this safety announcement. However, those who do experience a problem should file a report through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Events Reporting program. The FDA plans to continue working with others to gather and review data.

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