The Therapeutic Goods Administration has proposed significant action against several brands of textured breast implants, which have been linked to a rare type of lymphoma.

Following a comprehensive review of the risk associated with grade three and four textured implants, the TGA has announced its proposal to cancel the use of Allergan Natrelle products in Australia.

The proposal also includes the suspension of six other brands of textured devices, including Polytech polyurethane implants and Johnson & Johnson (Mentor) Siltex implants.

(Supplied)

Textured implants, including Allergan, have long been popular with breast reconstruction patients because the rough surface helps to hold the product in place following mastectomies.

But Australian surgeon Professor Anand Deva says implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is triggered when bacteria gets trapped in the grooves of an implant's surface.

"It happens about seven or eight years after the implant goes in. And we know lots and lots of implants have gone into women particularly these high risk implants," Prof Deva said.

Textured breast implants have been linked to a rare lymphoma. (A Current Affair)

In Australia and New Zealand, more than 100 women have been diagnosed with ALCL, including at least four who have died.

And the number of cases rises by 50 per cent each year.

Various brands of highly textured implants have already been banned or suspended in Canada, France and the Netherlands, while reviews have also been launched in the United States and the UK.

Professor Anand Deva. (A Current Affair)

Prof Deva, who sits on the TGA's expert panel, has welcomed these proposals.

"I fully support that decision ... We in the research group have been looking at ALCL for years so it's to the TGA's credit that they've reached out to work with both us and the breast device registry so that this decision is based on data," he said.

"To sit around and wait for another 50 per cent rise in 2020 is not fair to patients and is not safe."

The relevant companies have been given until 24 July to respond to the TGA's proposals. A final decision will be made after they've had a chance to respond.

The cancer develops when bacteria is trapped in the implant grooves. (A Current Affair)

The TGA advises that a product recall would only apply to devices that are waiting to be implanted. There is not a recommendation to surgeons to remove implants in the absence of an ALCL diagnosis.

ALCL patient Anne-Marie Sage says the suggested action is a positive step in the right direction.

"I think it shows that in Australia they really look after their people and they really have high service quality when it comes to women and their lives," Anne-Marie said.

ALCL patient Anne-Marie Sage. (A Current Affair)

Anne-Marie spoke to A Current Affair ahead of her operation to remove her textured implants and an associated tumor in May this year.

"Today there's so many women with implants they shouldn't be ashamed and they shouldn't be afraid to ask for help and support. The most important thing is that I'm healthy and I'm happy," she said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the governments supported the actions of the TGA and recognised its "authority and integrity as a regulator of medicines and medical devices".

Tomorrow on A Current Affair we speak to Prof Deva and Anne-Marie Sage about the ramifications for the industry and affected patients.

This evening, the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery advised people who had received the textured implants to consider all of the evidence before taking any decisive action.

"For the many Australians who have these implants, they will want to know what their risks are and what they should do,” ACCS's expert adviser to the TGA Dr Daniel Fleming said.

“There is no cause for alarm. The advice from the TGA and all experts in the field remains: there is no need to remove these implants as a precaution.

“The risk of developing BIA-ALCL for those with textured breast implants remains very low and the risk of developing a cancer that spreads is extremely small. If patients do not have any symptoms, there is no need for any action because of this TGA announcement."

The full list of products named in the TGA's proposal is below.

Proposed cancellation

(TGA)

Proposed Suspension (on the basis that it is likely that there are grounds for cancelling the entries of the products)

(TGA)

(TGA)