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iserbrown's avatar
iserbrown
Member
8 years ago

Breast Implants / Awareness



Hi all - there is an article in today's news that I am hoping @BCNA can follow up for us.  It suggests that some Breast implants are not as good as others and can be linked to clusters and further problems.

One of the articles states  "Identification of the clusters was made possible by a new Australian Breast Implant Registry which has now been joined by 16 other countries."

Another article from April states  ""If you notice enlargement or swelling of one or both breasts, or a lump, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible," the TGA advises"

Take care
mastectomy
surgery

11 Replies

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  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 years ago
    It’s a bit of a worry, to be honest, with any of the implants .... who knows which will turn toxic next? 

    It could lead more to choosing to be Flat And Fabulous!  I know that I would, if I had to get a mastectomy. 
  • Jenny_BCNA's avatar
    Jenny_BCNA
    Community Manager
    4 years ago
    Hi @iserbrown

    I'm so sorry for the delay in responding to your enquiry about new information about the link between the use of textured breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in light of recent media in Melbourne.

    Safer Care Victoria has published new information on their website here.

    For more information about who is most at risk, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment:

    Kind regards
    Jenny
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    4 years ago
    @Kathy_BCNA

    Hi!  This topic has appeared in the Melbourne media today.  Is there any new information available?
    My Breast Surgeon gave me an in-depth explanation of same when it first hit the media but seeing this headline this morning does rattle the confidence 
    Thanking you in anticipation 
    Take care
  • Kathy_BCNA's avatar
    Kathy_BCNA
    Member
    8 years ago

    Hi Everyone

    This is Kathy from BCNA's Policy Team. This is an issue that Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been monitoring for some years following international reports of a link between the use of textured breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which is a rare form of blood cancer. In May this year, the TGA reported that there have been 53 cases of implant-related ALCL in Australia since 2011. While the risk of developing ALCL is very low, if you have a breast implant and are concerned about it, you may like to contact the surgeon who did your reconstruction surgery.

    There is more information on our website.

    Kathy

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    8 years ago
    It was on the TV news last night!  Cluster doesn't appear to be the correct description - probably a surgeon with a certain catchment that creates the cluster, anyhow, it is interesting to know and be aware and what to look for
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Yep thanks @iserbrown I'd read it ...then when I checked the Aussie site they've just updated it as originially there were very few in Aus. And still are in comparison to the amount of implants used. But it's good to understand and be informed.  The cluster could be that surgeon I suppose.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    This was on the forums last year but it has been updated. I know since then there are new stricter guidelines in insertion of implants and 48 hours of IV antibiotics after surgery to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. The textured implant had higher risk of bacterial infections apparently just because of the rough surface. I know I checked my exact implant after insertion to be sure it wasn't textured and they were strict about 48 hours in hospital and no drains to reduce risks with the final implant.

    https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/breast-implants-and-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma