Here we provide articles of interest in our field of expertise.
Anger over UK's failure to ban breast implants linked to 61 cancer cases
At least 61 women in the UK have been diagnosed with a potentially fatal cancer linked to breast implants, but the type they received continues to be used, with no plans by the regulator to follow France and Australia in banning them.
Allergan recalls BIOCELL Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders
Allergan has voluntarily withdrawn all BIOCELL Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders from the worldwide market.
Healthcare providers should now no longer implant these products and unused items should be returned to Allergan. This followed a request from the US FDA, which was based on new data. There is no recommendation to remove or replace textured breast implants from patients without symptoms.
The global recall does not affect Allergan's NATRELLE smooth or MICROCELL breast implants and tissue expanders.
UK regulator looks at safety of implants
- UK regulator ready to re-examine safety of breast implants Guardian article
"A link to biofilm is not yet generally recognised, largely because the organisms are hard to grow. Special methods are needed to grow them, which is seldom done. We have found that the offending organisms are usually from three differing bacterial varieties. This explains why so many feel so much better after having the implants removed as the home for the organisms is on the inside of the capsule next to the implant and this is removed completely and the organisms with it. We are accumulating the data and will report." David Crabb, surgeon.
Plastic surgeons warn of risk of implants
Australian and New Zealand plastic surgeons have been at the forefront of research into breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
A joint Australian and New Zealand task force was formed in 2015 with representation from ASAPS, ASPS, NZAPS, Haematology and the Australian Breast Device Registry.
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Are breast implants triggering cancer?
Channel 9 in Australia has produced a story about the risk of implants - Are breast implants triggering cancer? New Australian research reveals disturbing risk to women
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