BCO Special Report: Breast Implant Illness and BIA-ALCL

Moderators

Special Report: Breast Implant Illness and BIA-ALCL

2019 was a watershed year for awareness about certain risks associated with breast implants: breast implant illness (BII) and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). In this Special Report from Breastcancer.org, we have compiled the most important information you need to know about BII and BIA-ALCL, from risk factors, symptoms, and treatment, to the work of patients and advocates that led to product recalls and new safety recommendations from the FDA.

Take a look, and let us know your thoughts.

Also, please take 5 minutes to provide your feedback in Feedback on Special Report survey!

Thank you so much.

Jayaytea

Thank you for this! I just got a letter from my PS last week, advising me that i have the textured implant from my 2013 LMX that had been recalled.

Surgeons are not advising women to have their implants removed if they are asymptomatic. I heard that some women are doing just that.

I feel agitated that I now should have to make a decision like this. I do not wish to remove the implant and face the new cosmetic reality, but am I being vain? Should I risk my health? So frustrating. So maddening. So frightening.

MinusTwo

So MODS - I read the link. Is this new data or just a new recap of all the information out there?

While there is a risk, Jay is correct. At this point, only the un-used stock of implants have been recalled. There are no recommendations for women with textured implants to have them removed UNLESS they have symptoms. I didn't see anything in the article that changed that recommendation - unless I missed something??

Of course it's one more worrisome thing - as if there wasn't enough to worry whether our cancers might come back. I have no symptoms but I choose to have a ULS and an MRI last fall. Edited to add - I'm 8 years out. There are no indications of any problems with my implants or in my body. The radiologist recommended having an ultrasound every two years. I'm OK with that for now.

Always interested to read new information, but hope we don't go to panic ex-plant surgeries.

Moderators

MinusTwo,

As stated in the blurb, this was just a compilation our editorial team put together about all of the important information that has been discovered in 2019 about BIA-ALCL. And correct, there is no recommendation to have the implants removed unless there are symptoms. We are simply putting all the information one needs to know in one place for easy reference, and wanted to share it here for anyone who needs it.

Thanks!

--The Mods

MinusTwo

And it's a good reference. Thanks

summergirl1

I'm feeling very frustrated to say the least, I was informed a few months back that I have the textured implant that was recalled, I was already on waiting list for over a year to have my implant replaced due to capsular contracture, now my PS is saying he won't replace it as he can now only use smooth implant and isn't going to waste his time as he said I will get capsular contracture again, so now I'm left with the option of leaving it in dealing with the pain / tightness or go without a breast which I'm not in a mental state to accept this, I also now have the fear of the lymphoma if I leave the implant it in. I feel like I have no options left, has anyone been given option of replacing implant with another type.

VegGal

Find a new doc. I had CC with my textured implants and am fine (2 years in) with the smooth ones. I do take Vit E daily, which *may* help.

The technique the PS uses to place implants in the pocket also has an influence on CC. Maybe your current surgeon isn’t aware of that.

Moderators

Would you all mind taking 3-5 minutest to provide your feedback on our special report here? Feedback on Special Report.

Thank you so much.

summergirl1, did you talk with your plastic surgeon about other additional reconstructive procedures? Read our Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Illness and BIA-ALCL