Snippets: ‘Boob jab’ that takes 45 minutes could mask cancer, report warns

Monday, April 12, 2010

‘Boob jab’ that takes 45 minutes could mask cancer, report warns

Invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. H&E s...

A breast-enlargement technique known as a ‘boob jab’ could mask cancerous tumours as well as leaving women with lumps and pains, a new report has warned.

The £2,500 injection of Macrolane gel takes 45 minutes and can enlarge breasts by a cup size.

But one study found that after 20 women were injected, 16 made 44 separate complaints about pain and abnormal lumps.

Risks: A website advertising Macrolane, which is injected into breasts to enhance size - but it could mask cancerous tumours

The report also says three women had to undergo reconstructive surgery and have the chemical from the jab removed.

And it was found that when women were given a mammogram shortly after having the Macrolane jab, there was ‘a reduction in visualisation of the glandular tissue’ where cancer cells can form.

The report concluded: ‘Macrolane breast shaping may impact on the diagnosis of breast cancer.’

One patient complained that after three months, the Macrolane had formed lumps that were ‘clear and granular, like tapioca’ on her breasts.

Report author Barry Miller, a plastic surgeon based at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, warned that not enough research had been done into Macrolane, which consists of hyaluronic acid that binds water in body tissue to maintain volume. The effects of the jab last 18 months.

He said: ‘Breasts are a very special area. They are a hormonally active area that is prone to cancer. Macrolane is simply not properly researched.’

Quick ‘lunch-hour’ non-surgical cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular.

Last year, there was an increase of 26 per cent in the use of so-called fillers, such as Macrolane, and a 306 per cent rise in chemical skin-peel treatments.

Other treatments include Botox, the neurotoxin used to smooth wrinkles, and laser lipolysis, which removes fat.

Mr Miller warned that Britain was not strict enough over the testing of fillers.

New cosmetic injections do not need to be certified as safe by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

He said: ‘If you look at the US, there are only seven fillers approved for market, while in the UK there are over 80 products.

If someone is given this injection they need to be told of the risks involved and the likelihood of lumps forming, but that’s just not happening.’

Last night, Douglas McGeorge, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said: ‘Macrolane has the ability to enhance appearance when used properly around the body, but in the breast it can run the
risk of masking disease and compromising patient care.’

A spokeswoman for Q-Med, the Swedish manufacturer of Macrolane, said: ‘Q-Med has already addressed the issues raised in the report. All aesthetic treatments include a certain risk. Our responsibility as a company is to reduce it to a minimum.

'Q-Med ensures that patients are provided with both written and verbal information about the risks.’