Silicone Breast Implants and Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a result of genetic changes precipitated by heredity, viruses, industrial agents, drugs, radiation, diet, and many other unknown agencies. At least 2 and perhaps as many as 10 or more chromosomal abnormalities are necessary. Certain genetic aberrations cause the malignancy to become more aggressive and metastasize. At this time, there is little evidence that silicone can cause cancer in the human except, perhaps, under the theory of solid-state carcinogenesis. Information on all types of cancers in patients with silicone breast implants has to be gathered. Prospective studies must be started and retrospective analyses and clinical cases should be reported. This article adds six new cases to the record and offers a review of the literature.