TürkçeApproximately 10–15 years ago, it was commonly stated that breast implants did not cause cancer. However, in recent years, it has been revealed that they can be associated with cancer. In fact, this is not a cancer directly caused by silicone itself. The body may react to all foreign materials placed inside it, such as joint prostheses and dental implants, by developing a capsule around them. For many years, large cell lymphoma developing from capsules around dental implants had already been identified. However, such a condition had not previously been reported for breast implants. In recent years, cancers developing around breast implants have also been identified. Nevertheless, according to major global health organizations and institutions (such as the World Health Organization), these cases are not considered numerous or serious enough to constitute an obstacle to the use of silicone implants. Therefore, silicone breast implants can still be used safely and with confidence.
| Do silicone breast implants cause cancer? | Current scientific evidence does not show that silicone breast implants cause breast cancer. There is no strong evidence indicating that people with breast implants have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. |
| Relationship with breast cancer | Silicone implants do not cause breast cancer. However, implants may obscure part of the breast tissue during imaging methods such as mammography. Therefore, it is important to inform the radiology team about the presence of implants, and additional imaging methods may be used when necessary. |
| Implant-associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) | A very rare immune system cancer associated with breast implants, known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), has been identified. This disease is not breast cancer but a type of lymphoma. It has been most commonly associated with textured-surface implants. |
| Symptoms of BIA-ALCL | Years after surgery, sudden swelling in one breast, fluid accumulation around the implant, pain, firmness, a mass, or changes in breast shape may occur. If these symptoms develop, a physician should be consulted for evaluation. |
| Frequency of BIA-ALCL | It is extremely rare. The risk varies depending on the surface characteristics of the implant used and is particularly higher with certain types of textured implants. The risk is thought to be much lower with smooth-surface implants. |
| Other rare cancers | Very rare cases of breast implant capsule-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) and other capsular tumors have also been reported. These are extremely uncommon, and the absolute risk for the general population of implant users is very low. |
| Spread of silicone in the body | If an implant ruptures, silicone may spread into surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. This may cause inflammation or silicone granulomas; however, it has not been shown to directly cause cancer. |
| Implant follow-up | Regular clinical follow-up is recommended. Periodic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound examinations may be advised to detect silent ruptures in silicone implants. The follow-up plan may vary depending on the type of implant and the individual’s condition. |
| Risk factors | The implant surface, manufacturer characteristics, duration of implant use, and individual factors may affect the risk of certain complications. However, these factors have not been directly associated with the development of breast cancer. |
| Preventive approach | Routine removal of implants solely due to fear of cancer is generally not recommended for individuals without symptoms. The decision should be made by considering symptoms, implant type, personal risks, and the physician’s evaluation together. |
| When should you see a doctor? | If new breast swelling, persistent pain, a palpable mass, skin changes, implant deformity, or one-sided fluid accumulation is noticed, medical attention should be sought without delay. |
| Conclusion | According to current scientific evidence, silicone breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, because there are very rare types of cancer associated with implants, regular follow-up and early evaluation of unusual symptoms remain important. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Current scientific evidence does not show that silicone breast implants directly cause breast cancer. However, a rare type of lymphoma associated with certain implant types has been identified, and regular medical follow-up is recommended.
The risk of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is mainly associated with certain textured-surface implants. This disease is different from breast cancer and is extremely rare.
People with silicone breast implants can undergo mammography and other imaging methods. Informing the radiology team about the presence of implants helps improve image quality and ensures accurate evaluation.
Thanks to modern imaging techniques, breast tissue can be evaluated in detail. Although additional imaging may be required in some cases, regular screenings significantly help preserve the chance of early detection.
Late-onset swelling, pain, or fluid accumulation does not always indicate cancer. However, these symptoms require specialist evaluation to investigate rare implant-associated diseases.
People with a family history of breast cancer can usually undergo breast implant surgery. However, personal risk factors, genetic predisposition, and screening plans should be carefully evaluated before the procedure.
If the implant loses its integrity, silicone may spread into surrounding tissues, but this has not been proven to directly cause cancer. Nevertheless, imaging and specialist follow-up are important in suspected cases.
If symptoms such as sudden breast enlargement, persistent pain, changes in breast shape, firmness, a palpable mass, or prolonged swelling develop, a plastic surgeon or breast surgeon should be consulted without delay.
Research indicates that rare implant-associated lymphoma cases have been reported more frequently with certain textured-surface implants. The reported risk is considered lower with smooth-surface implants.
Long-term follow-up may include physical examinations and, when necessary, ultrasound, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Regular follow-up helps assess both implant integrity and breast tissue health.
He completed his medical education at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine in 1996 and his specialty training between 1996–2002 at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Between 2002–2009, he worked at Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Since 2009, he has been working at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He received the title of Associate Professor in 2011. Dr. Nasır became a Professor in 2019 and continues to work as a faculty member in this position.
Between 2006–2008, he conducted studies on composite tissue transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA, together with Dr. Siemionow, who performed the first face transplant in the United States and the second in the world.
In 2012, he successfully performed Turkey’s second face transplant, which was the third among full face transplants in the world and the 22nd overall. Simultaneously with this face transplant, the world’s first quadruple limb transplant was carried out at Hacettepe University by a large team under his leadership.
He won second-place awards in the experimental and clinical specialist competitions at the 31st and 32nd National Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Congresses. In 2023, he completed his doctorate in Hand Surgery at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine.
He is a member of the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Plastic Surgery Research Council, Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Reconstructive Microsurgery Association, and Turkish Society for Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity.
