FDA: Reports of squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas in breast implant scar tissue

Editor's Note

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 8 issued a Safety Communication informing the public about reports of cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas and various lymphomas in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants.

The various lymphomas are not the same as the lymphomas reported in previous FDA Communications as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

The FDA is aware of less than 20 cases of squamous cell carcinomas and less than 30 cases of various lymphomas. As of September 1, the FDA had received 10 medical device reports about squamous cell carcinomas and 12 about various lymphomas. The reports apply for both textured and smooth implants and for saline and silicone implants.

Currently, the incidence rate and risk factors for squamous cell carcinomas and various lymphomas in breast implant scar tissue are unknown. The FDA is asking healthcare providers and patients with breast implants to report cases of squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, or any other cancers around breast implants.