WASHINGTON — Medical device maker Allergan Inc. is recalling a type of breast implant linked to a rare form of cancer.
In a news release on Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it asked Allergan to recall its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders after new information showed the implants accounted for a disproportionate share of rare lymphoma cases.
The move follows similar bans by regulators in France, Australia, and Canada.
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According to an analysis by the FDA, 481 patients who had the Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants were diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL.
The FDA is not recommending women with the implants have them removed if they are not experiencing problems.
The recalled implants feature a textured surface designed to prevent slippage and minimize scar tissue. Such models account for just 5 percent of the U.S. market.
Most U.S. breast implants are smooth, not textured.
WPTV and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
