You never want to see the words breast implant and cancer next to each other in a headline.

What exactly was recalled?

A macro-textured breast implant essentially hasbigger, deeper divotson its surface than a micro-textured or smooth implant.

OK, now about BIOCELL.

BIOCELL refers to a unique jot down of macro-textured surface that onlyAllerganuses in its products, theFDAexplains.

The recall covers all styles of Allergans BIOCELL textured breast implants, including both silicone and saline-filled ones.

It also includes BIOCELL tissue expanders (which are also macro-textured), theFDAexplains.

The potential connection between breast implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is not new.

The FDA first publicly noted the potential connection back in 2011 in asafety updateon breast implants.

But with only 60 reported cases worldwide, the agency didnt have enough data to establish a link.

Over the past eight years, the FDA has been monitoring the accumulating data and sharing updates.

(A unique case means the cancer was in only one breast.

In a couple of instances, patients had BIA-ALCL in both breasts, which counted as two cases.)

In total, the agency now knows of 573 unique cases globally and 33 patient deaths from BIA-ALCL.

There are some gaps and nuances in the data, though.

In 28 percent of the cases, we dont know if the implant surface was smooth or textured.

The data we have indicate this is virtually exclusive to textured implants, Dr. Clemens says.

Worth noting: The condition is notentirelyunique to Allergan implants.

We will continue to monitor BIA-ALCL across other products, an FDA spokesperson tells SELF in an email statement.

What is BIA-ALCL, exactly?

Its highly,highlyunlikely that you will get BIA-ALCL if you have breast implants.

As for BIA-ALCL characteristics, even though it occurs in the breast area, it isnt actuallybreast cancer.

BIA-ALCL presents with localized symptoms that typically begin years after the implants are put in.

Treatment is relatively straightforward: Surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.

However, some patients with advanced BIA-ALCL might need additional treatments, such aschemotherapyor radiation therapy.

What causes BIA-ALCL?

Doctors have the same question.

Theyre working with various theories.

As with many cancers, there can be a genetic component.

There also must be something abouttheseimplants in particular that could lead to BIA-ALCL when other implants usually dont.

Whats more, textured implants are believed to cause more inflammation than smooth implants, according to theCleveland Clinic.

But these are still just theories.

But rest assured, it is not connected to BIA-ALCL.

Does this mean that if you have these implants, you should get them removed?

That might sound like totally bonkers advice at first if youre worried about this.

Patients ask me, So I have to just wait until I get cancer to do something?

But that’s not exactly true or a good way to think about it.

Remember, this cancer is rare overall.

Whatshouldyou do, then?

And for anyone considering implants who is scared off by this recall?

The good news is that the products clearly linked with this disease are off the market.