You Have Breast Implants – Are You Risk for Malignancy?

You Have Breast Implants – Are You at Risk for Malignancy?

You may have become aware of recent reports regarding a type of lymphoma noted to have developed in the scar tissue around certain types of breast implants. These tumors are quite rare but the association with a specific type of breast implant (implants with a ”textured surface” rather than a “smooth surface”) is a real and legitimate risk.

Should you have your implants removed?

The answer is complex. Since no research to date has supported that a patent’s risk is reduced by “prophylactic removal”, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has affirmed their position that there is no basis for doing so in an asymptomatic patient. However, an in-person consultation/examination with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is truly your best next step. What type of implants you have, what “asymptomatic” actually means, what your personal psychological and physical goals are, your overall health status, and your individual options – Dr. Back will directly address all these important issues and more to enable the making of the best decisions in direction for you.

Lyle M. Back, MD, FACS