Breast implant cancer
TWO breast surgery patients have died from a “bombshell” cancer linked to implants, a government watchdog has revealed.
Twenty-three more have required operations after contracting Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
The disease is linked to textured surface implants introduced 15 years ago which, say experts, damage the immune system.
Tumours take at least a decade to appear as an inflamed lump and are only curable with early diagnosis.
There have been at least 460 cases and 12 deaths worldwide. Experts last night urged the UK to follow the US and France and issue a warning.
Cosmetic surgery professor Jim Frame, of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “This cancer is a potential bombshell that has been swept under the carpet for five years.
“Textured implants should be banned. We should return to using smooth ones which were safe.”
The deaths were revealed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
A register of women who have had breast surgery was only introduced last October after the PIP implants scandal.
Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth said: “It’s important the Department of Health tell us what they are going to do to ensure the safety of patients.”
The health department did not respond to requests for comment.
MUM-of-two Linzy Bromfield was diagnosed with ALCL in 2016 after a £4,500 breast enlargement over ten years ago.
Linzy, 48, sought help after her right boob suddenly swelled “two cup sizes”.
She had scans and faced a four-day wait to see if the cancer had spread before the implants could be removed.
She said: “I thought I’d die.”
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