Breast implant with crystalline overgrowth, symbolizing desmoid tumor research.

Breast Implants and Desmoid Tumors: Is There a Link?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at the research surrounding breast implants and the development of desmoid tumors, a rare connective tissue growth."

Desmoid tumors are rare growths that develop in the connective tissues of the body. While they aren't cancerous in the traditional sense—they don't spread to distant organs—they can be locally aggressive, infiltrating surrounding tissues. When these tumors occur in the breast, they're referred to as breast desmoid tumors (BDT), a particularly uncommon presentation.

Recently, some researchers have explored a possible connection between breast implants and the development of BDT. The theory suggests that the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant could, in some way, contribute to the formation of these tumors. But is this connection real, or simply a coincidence?

This article dives into a research review investigating the potential correlation between BDT and breast implant surgery. We'll explore the findings, incidence rates, and what this means for individuals with or considering breast implants.

What Does the Research Say About Breast Implants and Desmoid Tumors?

Breast implant with crystalline overgrowth, symbolizing desmoid tumor research.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, examining reported cases of BDT in individuals with breast implants. The search focused on identifying any potential patterns or associations between the two.

The review identified 36 cases of BDT associated with silicone breast implants. While this might sound alarming, it's crucial to consider the bigger picture. Researchers compared the incidence of BDT in women with breast implants to the incidence of BDT in the general population.

The average time between getting breast implants and diagnosis of BDT was approximately 2.96 years.
A mix of silicone and saline implants were represented in the cases.
The most common symptom was a palpable mass in the breast.

Interestingly, the research suggested that the incidence of BDT following breast implant surgery is lower than the incidence of BDT in the general population. This finding suggests that, at least based on current data, breast implants don't appear to increase the risk of developing these tumors. However, the researchers emphasize that this conclusion isn't definitive.

The Verdict: A Need for More Data

While this research review offers valuable insights, it's important to acknowledge its limitations. Detailed clinical information was lacking in many of the reviewed cases, and there's a possibility of underreporting or inaccurate reporting, especially considering that many breast operations are performed in private practice settings.

The researchers call for the creation of a world registry to accurately document all cases of BDT associated with breast implant surgery. This registry would involve contributions from plastic surgeons, healthcare providers, and silicone implant manufacturers, providing a more comprehensive dataset for analysis.

For now, the potential association between breast implants and desmoid tumors remains unconfirmed. Further research and data collection are needed to fully understand if there's a connection, and if so, what factors might contribute to it.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00266-017-0948-2, Alternate LINK

Title: Desmoid Tumor And Silicone Breast Implant Surgery: Is There Really A Connection? A Literature Review

Subject: Surgery

Journal: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: R. Tzur, E. Silberstein, Y. Krieger, Y. Shoham, Y. Rafaeli, A. Bogdanov-Berezovsky

Published: 2017-08-25

Everything You Need To Know

What are desmoid tumors, and what is their significance in the context of breast implants?

Desmoid tumors are rare growths that develop in the connective tissues of the body. They are locally aggressive, infiltrating surrounding tissues. When they occur in the breast, they are referred to as breast desmoid tumors (BDT), a particularly uncommon presentation. This article explores the potential correlation between BDT and breast implant surgery, focusing on the evidence, incidence rates, and what this means for individuals with or considering breast implants.

What is the proposed link between breast implants and desmoid tumors?

The theory suggests that the fibrous capsule that forms around the breast implant could, in some way, contribute to the formation of these tumors. This is a potential mechanism that researchers are exploring. However, the article emphasizes that the current data does not definitively link breast implants to an increased risk of developing these tumors.

What did the research review find regarding breast implants and desmoid tumors?

A research review examined reported cases of BDT in individuals with breast implants, identifying 36 cases associated with silicone breast implants. The average time between getting breast implants and diagnosis of BDT was approximately 2.96 years. Both silicone and saline implants were represented in the cases. The most common symptom was a palpable mass in the breast. However, the incidence of BDT following breast implant surgery appears *lower* than the incidence of BDT in the general population.

What are the limitations of the research?

While the research review offers insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. Detailed clinical information was lacking in many of the reviewed cases, and there's a possibility of underreporting or inaccurate reporting. The researchers emphasize that the conclusion is not definitive, and more data is needed to fully understand the relationship between breast implants and BDT.

What should someone with breast implants do, given the information in this article?

This article highlights the need for continued research. The current data suggests that breast implants do not appear to increase the risk of developing BDT. Individuals with or considering breast implants should be aware of the potential, though rare, risk. If you experience symptoms like a palpable mass in the breast, consult a medical professional. More research is necessary to understand the long-term implications and potential correlations between breast implants and BDT.