Breast Implants Recalled and Possibly Linked to Cancer

If you have questions about these breast implants, you should contact your doctor.

Breast implant maker Allergan Inc. issued a worldwide recall Wednesday for certain textured models after watchdogs alerted the company there could be a heightened cancer risk with the devices.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it called for the removal after new information showed Allergan's Biocell breast implants with a textured surface were tied to the vast majority of cases of a rare form of lymphoma. The move follows similar action in France, Australia and Canada according to KWQC.com.

Breast implants/FDA.GOV

The FDA says it's not recommending women with the implants have them removed because the cancer is so rare, but say they should check with their doctor if they have symptoms, which include pain and swelling.

Biocell implants feature a textured surface designed to prevent slippage and to minimize scar tissue. Those models account for just 5 percent of the U.S. market. The vast majority of breast implants used in the U.S. have a smooth surface.

This week's recall does not affect Allergan's smooth implants or a different Allergan textured implant sold under the Microcell brand.

If you have questions about this recall, email the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) at DICE@FDA.HHS.GOV or call 1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100.

Filed Under: FDA, recall

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