Can Breast Implants Cause Cancer Recurrences?

— -- Question ma_sonshine: I just received a clean bill of health after a second reoccurence of breast cancer. I had a mastectomy in 2000 followed by reconstructive surgery the same year having the remaining breast removed with a transflat to reconstruct my breasts. Implants were inserted at that time.

I have been on Femara, but am concerned that my implants may be contributing to my two reoccurences. Is there any connection between cancer, cancer reoccurences and breast cancer? My cancer was lobular, which is what keeps coming back.

Response from Anthony Elias, M.D., University of Colorado Cancer Center:

There is no known connection between reconstructions and breast cancer recurrence, although reconstructions can sometimes make it hard to detect a local recurrence because of the post-surgical changes. Reoccurrences relate to the aggressiveness of the tumor biologically. If you continue to have questions, it is sometimes helpful to you to get a second opinion so that you can be reassured that you are receiving an appropriate therapy.