WASHINGTON — Federal health officials said Wednesday that they are investigating a possible link between breast implants and a very rare form of cancer, raising new questions about the safety of the devices.
The cancer, known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, attacks lymph nodes and the skin and has been reported in the scar tissue growing around an implant. The Food and Drug Administration is asking doctors to report all cases of the cancer so the agency can better understand the link.
The agency has learned of just 60 cases of the disease worldwide, among the estimated 5 million to 10 million women with breast implants. The agency reviewed the scientific literature going back to 1997 along with information provided by international governments and manufacturers.
Most of the cases were reported after patients sought medical care for pain, lumps, swelling and other problems around the surgical site. The agency saw no difference in cancer rates between patients with saline versus silicone implants. There was also no difference between patients who got the implants for cosmetic reasons versus those who underwent reconstructive surgery after breast cancer.
The Associated Press
