Two studies released Tuesday cast further doubt on claims that silicone breast implants cause serious diseases of the body's connective tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
A report on the two studies, which were completed in the past year, was released at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in San Francisco.
The college said: "These studies provide compelling evidence that silicone breast implants expose patients to no demonstrable additional risk for connective tissue or rheumatic disease. Anecdotal evidence should no longer be used to support this relationship in the courts or by the FDA."
Thousands of women have filed lawsuits blaming breast implants for a variety of severe diseases. The Food and Drug Administration has banned most silicone implants except those for women who need breast reconstruction after mastectomies.
