Desmoid Tumor and Silicone Breast Implant Surgery: Is There Really a Connection? A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Desmoid tumors are borderline tumors of the connective tissue, arising in the musculo-aponeurotic stromal elements. A desmoid tumor (DT) has an infiltrative and locally aggressive growth pattern and usually does not metastasize; however, it has a high recurrence and complication rate. DT located in the breast (BDT) represents a rare extra-abdominal form. Recently, the presence of breast silicone implants was suggested by several researchers as a risk factor for developing BDT.

Objectives: The goal of this review is to investigate the possible correlation between BDT and breast implant surgery.

Methods: We conducted a literature review of BDT-reported cases, associated with breast implant surgery.

Results: The search revealed 36 cases of BDT associated with silicone breast implants.

Conclusions: Based on the reviewed data, the incidence of BDT following breast implant surgery is lower than BDT in the general population. At the moment, a possible association between breast implants and the development of breast desmoid tumors cannot be unequivocally confirmed. A world registry with accurate documentation of each case of BDT associated with breast implant surgery should be performed for future investigation.

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Keywords: Aggressive fibromatosis; Augmentation mammaplasty; Breast augmentation; Breast desmoid; Desmoid tumor; Silicone implant.