Cancer and Breast Implants

Breast implants are all the rage right now.  They have been around since 1962 and for years doctors and scientists have been trying to perfect the 'recipe' for the perfect implant.  Actually the most visually and touch appealing models were the silicone implants.  They had a silicone casing and were filled with a silicone gel.  The various makers of silicone implants chose differing thicknesses for the shell and generally there were either silicone gel or saline as the fill.  The reason for the saline is in case of rupture of the shell.  The saline fluid is safe for the body to absorb as the silicone is not. In fact silicone gel filled breast implants were restricted by the FDA in 1992 due to the extreme symptoms that many women get if the silicone gel leaks into the surrounding tissues and enters the body. 

There are many emotional benefits for breast implants mostly related to self esteem and improved body image for many women.  This is regardless of the reason for the implants, whether simply cosmetic or for reconstruction after breast cancer.  Many women feel more self-confident and self assured when they feel great about their bodies.  Same reason that weight loss products and skin care/anti-aging and beauty products are multi-billion dollar industries.  However, every woman should know the possible relationship between some cancers and the use of breast implants (regardless of filling).

Interestingly, silicone breast implants do not seem to be related to an increase risk of breast cancer itself.  This, of course if good news.  However, often it is difficult to detect early stages of breast cancer on mammogram or with an inexperienced mammographer where the implant can obscure mask problem areas.  Lung and brain cancer, however does seem to be increased with the use of silicone implants and possibly vulvar and cervical cancers (but these might be more related to 'lifestyle' causes).  Lifestyle means women with breast implants have the tendency to be more sexually active and have more partners therefore be more at risk for HPV infection (human papilloma virus) which is related to cervical and vulvar cancers. 

According to the National Cancer Institute breast implant patients have a tendency to also be more at risk for deaths possibly related to silicone exposure including sarcoma and multiple myeloma, as well as a variety of connective tissue disorders scleroderma, Sjorgrens disease and lupus (all auto-immune disorders). 

If you are thinking about getting breast implants for cosmetic reasons, you can review the FDA's Consumer webpage on research, surgery information and non-cancer related problems associated with breast implants.  Being well informed of the pro's and con's of the use of breast implants will give you an educated perspective to a very popular procedure.

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Comments

[Buy Diovan]

Concern about breast prostheses impairing breast cancer detection has become a priority issue. This article provides a review of the literature on the influence of implants on early detection methods of breast cancer, specifically breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Background information on implants is presented, including indications for surgery, types of prostheses, location of placement, and associated complications.

[Generic Advair]

Women who choose to do BSE should have their BSE technique reviewed during their physical exam by a health professional. It is okay for women to choose not to do BSE or not to do it on a regular schedule. However, by doing the exam regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel and you can more readily detect any signs or symptoms if a change occurs, such as development of a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. Should you notice any changes you should see your health care provider as soon as possible for evaluation. Remember that most of the time, however, these breast changes are not cancer.

[MBT Shoes]

It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.