FDA Updates Guidance on Breast Implant-Associated Lymphomas

By Joe Elia

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphomas — a rare condition — occur more frequently with textured-surface implants than smooth implants, the FDA has announced.

The agency identified an association of the non-Hodgkin lymphomas with implants 6 years ago, but there weren't enough cases to identify risk factors. The FDA now says that, of the 231 cases with information on the implant surface available, 203 had textured surfaces. Collecting information is still difficult because of limited international reporting as well as a dearth of information on implant sales.

The FDA reminds clinicians that the lymphomas are "very rare," and that prophylactic removal of the implants in asymptomatic patients "is not recommended."