Breast Implants Linked to RareLymphoma on blood, breast, skin cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released information that implicates breast implants as a possible risk factor for developing anaplastic large- cell lymphoma (ALCL ) . The data, which includes both saline and silicone gel- filled implants, suggests that there is a "small but significant" risk of developing ALCL in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma, diagnosed inabout 1 out of 500,000 women in the US each year. It responds well to chemotherapy, and treatment outcomes are quite good. How big is the risk? Scientists cannot be exactly sure but so far they have identified 60cases in the 5 to 10 million women who haveimplants worldwide. Seems small, but when you consider that the risk of getting ALCL in the breasts if you don't have implants is about 3 out of 100 million, the number is significant. The FDA is asking health care professionals tonotify them of any confirmed cases of ALCL inwomen with breast implants, to improve their knowledge of the scope of the problem. So what do you do if you are considering breast implants, or already have them? Well, first of all- don't panic. The risk still remains small, and there is no need to change your routine care and follow up. The FDA is recommending that you monitor your implants and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you notice any changes. If you are considering getting implants, you should discuss this as a possible risk with your doctor. Visit the FDA website for more information about breast implants and ALCL: *. ALCL and Breast Implants *. Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) In Women with Breast Implants: Preliminary FDA Findings and Analyses *. Breast Implant Consumer Information Despite the snow on the ground, there aresigns all around us that winter is almost over. The days are getting longer, the groundhog is seeing his shadow (or not), and our spirits have had just about enough of hibernation- I am ready for spring! I am also ready to say goodbye to the itchy dry skin that winter brings. In my case, it is just the cold wind outdoors, and furnace running indoors that is making my hands and feet crack and burn. But in your case, youmay be dealing with the effects of winter PLUS the effects of cancer treatment on your skin. Help is on the way. In patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors. Dry skin from radiotherapy , reaction from chemotherapy, aresponse to multiple antibiotics and supportive medications, or just from the cancer itself , itchy skin is a common side effect. Itchy skin can be more than just irritating, however. Our skin is our first line ofprotection from infection, so when we scratch we are increasing our risk of complications. Therefore, it is worthwhile to learn some strategies to manage itchy skin. How to Prevent Itchy Skin: There may not be a way to prevent your skin from becoming itchy, but there are ways to prevent your skin from drying out and from becoming irritated. Here are a few things youcan try: *. Keep your skin moist by applying a moisturizing cream to damp skin *. If you live in a dry environment, try a humidifier *. Keep your fingernails trimmed and smooth, wear gloves on your hands and socks on your feet at night to prevent scratching *. Try moisturizing hand sanitizer in place of soap/water if you need to wash your handsfrequently. Apply lotion after washing hands, too. *. Avoid tight or irritating clothing *. Avoid showering in hot water, try lukewarm instead.