July 20, 2020
Breast implants and their link to cancer have been making news headlines. According to the FDA, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare and treatable cancer of the immune system (not a true breast cancer) associated with textured breast implants.
Understandably, we have been getting many inquiries from implant patients fearful of developing BIA-ALCL. To help, we have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions with answers.
What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?
- Fluid collection around the implant (known as a ‘seroma’)
- Sudden breast enlargement
- New lump(s) in the breast and/or armpit
- Skin rash on the breast
- Breast pain
- Breast hardening
When should patients see a doctor?
Women should continue routine follow-ups as recommended by their surgeon.
Patients who have any of the above-mentioned symptoms should see their surgeon as soon as possible for an evaluation and possible testing. Currently, the FDA is not recommending any BIA-ALCL screening for patients with textured implants.
Should implants be removed prophylactically?
The FDA does not recommend removing breast implants in patients who are not experiencing complications or symptoms. Ultimately of course, we understand this is a very personal decision. For those wanting/needing to removal their implants, explant surgery is an option.
What are the alternatives to breast implants?
For patients seeking breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, implants are not the only option! “Flap” procedures use patients own living tissue to reconstruct a warm, soft, natural breast. In fact, the DIEP flap is considered today’s ‘gold standard’ for reconstruction and is the preferred reconstructive technique at PRMA.
Breast augmentation using breast implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the US to date. For patients looking for an enhanced look without the use of an implant, fat grafting may be a good alternative option.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
The FDA does not recommend removing breast implants in patients who are not experiencing complications or symptoms. Ultimately of course, we understand this is a very personal decision.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles. It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments. These can be temporary or permanent. Periods can be unpredictable following […]
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts. We were also able to share information on […]
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes. The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction. The purpose […]
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy. Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction August 10, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We have been receiving numerous inquiries about the “APEX flap” recently. Patients want to know what it is and how it differs from the DIEP flap. APEX is an acronym that stands for “Abdominal Perforator Exchange”. Many patients believe […]
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Autologous flap (or tissue) breast reconstruction procedures represent today’s most advanced options for rebuilding a breast(s) following mastectomy. The most commonly performed method of flap-based reconstruction at PRMA is the DIEP flap. During this procedure, surgeons transplant skin […]
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin There is still so much we do not know about COVID-19. Likewise, there is little known about how this disease impacts mortality for cancer patients. A study published in The Lancet evaluated and characterized the outcomes of patients with cancer […]
No Comments