[robinblessed54]

Breast implants, multiple myeloma, and MGUS

by robinblessed54 on Wed Oct 16, 2019 6:46 pm

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma breast cancer in 2014. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I am still on Femara (letrozole) for estrogen suppression.

I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2017 by accident.

Here is my problem; I have the recalled Allergan textured implants that can cause breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). I also have had 6 basal cell skin cancers removed.

Do you think the implants could have caused my MGUS, snce lymphoma is a blood cancer?

I am waiting to see my plastic surgeon to see where we go from here.

I didn’t have enough abdominal fat and tissue to do an autologous reconstruction in 2014. I don’t think I have enough now! The one time you are praying for a flabby tummy! So I wait and see what my next step is.

Thanks for listening and caring,
Robin

[Multibilly]

Re: Breast implants, multiple myeloma, and MGUS

by Multibilly on Fri Oct 18, 2019 11:14 am

Hi Robin,

Sorry to hear about your situation.

You may want to look at this older research article on the subject of breast implants and paraproteinemia (monoclonal gammopathies).

Csako, G, et al, "Serum proteins and paraproteins in women with silicone implants and connective tissue disease: a case–control study," Arthritis Research & Therapy, September 2007 (full text of article)

Excerpt:

"We found unexpected significant differences in the serum protein profiles of women with silicone implants compared with those without silicone implants, but no evidence for a substantially increased risk of paraproteinemia. From a public health point of view, silicone implants appear to have a minimal, if any, effect on the number of women in whom paraproteins may occur, even in the context of coexisting connective tissue disease."

However, you may want to also consider that chronic inflammation has been suggested as a potential cause for the development of MGUS in the general population. It has been postulated that textured breast implants may cause long term inflammation.

"FDA Demands More Information on Cancer and Illnesses Caused by Breast Implants," Oncology Nursing News, March 30, 2019 (full text of article)

Excerpt:

"There are several theories about what causes the cancer, said Raina Duria of implant manufacturer Mentor. One is that the increased surface area on textured implants can provide a foothold for bacteria introduced during surgery, which can result in long-term inflammation and eventually disease."

[robinblessed54]

Re: Breast implants, multiple myeloma, and MGUS

by robinblessed54 on Sat Oct 19, 2019 9:34 pm

Multibilly, thank you for responding and giving me the links. I am requesting a different hematologist / oncologist for a second opinion on the recalled implants and BIA-ALCL. My current one just blew me off about the situation. The thing that bothers me is the people who are supposed to be getting you through your cancers don’t have a clue what it is like to live with them.

I will post an update here after my appointment with both the plastic surgeon and the oncologist.

Robin

[torimooney]

Re: Breast implants, multiple myeloma, and MGUS

by torimooney on Sat Feb 29, 2020 9:37 pm

My multiple myeloma specialist told me he tells anyone with MGUS to have their silicone implants removed. He believes it will reduce any M-spike and light chain elevation.