The recent uproar over the safety of silicone gel breast implants has the telephones at Hershey Medical Center ringing off the hook.

"The horror stories floating around are scaring everybody," said Dennis Banducci, assistant professor of surgery. "But I think it's been taken out of the context of science. It's a lot of adverse media publicity."

The controversy began with the implication that silicone could cause cancer and possible immune deficiency diseases when malignant tumors were found in some test rats.

But the same type of tumor also develops with the implantation of any foreign body, not just the silicone, Banducci said. That information was not publicized, he said.

"Only one side has been presented and that is completely unsubstantiated information," said Donald Mackay, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery. "The hysteria is absolutely amazing. There are a lot of very worried people out there."

No definite link between silicone and immune deficiencies or cancer has been proven, Mackay said. To date, no case has proven the implants could cause cancer in humans, he said, adding that the tumors that developed in the rats are not the same as breast cancer.

"There is silicone in drinking water, in dirt and sand, in some processed foods and antacids," Banducci said. "People are being exposed to it constantly, not just if they have breast implants."

Breast implants can cause some complications, such as bleeding, infection and implant rejection, Banducci said. But this is normal with any type of implant, he added. Ruptures and leaks are possible, but rare, he said.

About three-fourths of the women who get breast implants do so for cosmetic reasons, Banducci said, adding that he does implant surgery at the center about once a month.

The procedure costs several thousand dollars, he said, adding that it is not a common surgery for the center.

"The women in central Pennsylvania are not real interested in cosmetic surgery," he said. "It's a lot more common in cities like New York and L.A."

Although the medical center is complying with the Food and Drug Administration's request to halt breast implant surgery until the concerns have been investigated, Banducci said he hopes the device is not taken off the market.

"There have been questions raised, sure," Banducci said. "But it's not something they have to have, it's a matter of informed consent. People should be informed of the risks, then decide."

More than one million American women have had breast implants. Since the American warning, Spain, Australia and Canada have banned silicone gel implants.

If the implants are taken off the market, women who need the surgery for reconstruction or want it for cosmetic reasons will have to go overseas, Mackay said.

He added that he would not be surprised if Dow Corning Wright Corp., a major producer of the implants, is forced out of business. Fifty-three employees have already been fired because of the controversy and halt on production.

Mackay said he is almost certain the FDA will not find a link between the implants and cancer.

"Nobody has ever died from these things," Banducci said. "There are a lot more dangerous things on the market -- penicillin actually kills from allergic reactions. Are they going to start questioning that next?"