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Textured breast implant is linked to a rare form of cancer, according to a report released by the Food and Drug Administration. The information included recommendations for health care providers and patients.

 Earlier, the FDA had found that cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, appeared to be associated with breast implants. It received 359 reports of ALCL cases related to breast implants of which nine were deaths.

 ALCL develops around the implant in the breast and symptoms such as lumps, pain, fluid buildup and swelling develop. The treatment, in most of the cases, involved removing the implant and the capsule surrounding it, but radiation and chemotherapy may be required for some.

Data shows that textured breast implant is linked to the rare form of cancer. Of the 359 reports, 231 came with information about the implant surface in which 203 were textured breast implant and 28 were smooth.

It also reveals that women with breast implants may have an increased risk of having ALCL although it is lower compared to women without it. It is still unclear how many actual cases exist from all over the world because of limited reporting and absence of sales data on implants, according to FDA.

The FDA urged health care providers to report ALCL cases associated with breast implants to their office as they attempt to shed more light on its causes and treatment.

Textured breast implants are sometimes preferred by surgeons as it can more easily stick in place and not move, unlike smooth implants which, when taken out, behaves like a Jell-O. The tissues of rats in studies also react differently according to the implant surface. Bacterial infection appears to be linked to cancer in some cases, the New York Times reported.

In the U.S., implants are filled with silicone gel or saline. They have a choice between textured breast implants or smooth ones.

The FDA encouraged women to seek relevant information before undergoing any surgery. They should also keep their doctors informed of any changes they may notice following an implant.