Health Watch: Breast Implant Warning
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Health officials are investigating a possible link between breast implants and a very rare form of cancer.
Doctors say women with implants don't need to worry. The FDA says this is only a possible cancer connection found with both silicone and saline implants.
People are calling with questions about the FDA announcement that it's investigating a possible link between breast implants and a very rare form of cancer.
"It needs to be put in perspective. And sometimes scientific information needs interpretation," said Dr. Louis Bucky, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. He says five to ten million women have breast implants worldwide. The FDA is looking at 34 of them developing a rare cancer.
"The chance of getting struck by lightening is way higher than 34 in five to 10 million," said Dr. Bucky.
The FDA has created a registry for doctors to report cases of women with implants developing not breast cancer, but anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL, a very rare but deadly lymphoma.
"They have found in reports the diagnosis of ALCL happening around the implant, or ALCL of the breast, in some patients. Whether that is related to their breast implants or not has not been determined in any way," said Dr. Bucky.
This is not related to action the FDA took against silicone implants back in 1992. Studies failed to confirm any dangers, and they were put back on the market five years ago.
The FDA says implants continue to be safe, and women with concerns should check with their doctor.
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For FDA Information on Breast Implant Review, click here or here
For information on breast implants, click here
Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS3
