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What Is BIA-ALCL?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma — cancer of the immune system. It develops in the capsule of scar tissue that surrounds a breast implant. This capsule is usually soft or slightly firm and it forms naturally around a breast implant after the implant is placed. In some cases,

BIA-ALCL can spread throughout the body.   BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It’s also not the same as breast implant illness (BII), a range of symptoms that may be related to breast implants. BIA-ALCL is curable in most people if it’s successfully diagnosed and treated early, but a small number of people have died from the illness. This information…

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 Current Understanding of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Every year, breast implants are inserted worldwide for reconstructive or aesthetic reasons. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rather uncommon type of T cell lymphoma that is positive for the CD30 biomarker. Despite being far more common than other primary breast lymphomas, BIA-ALCL has a very low incidence. Textured types of implants have been linked to almost all cases. The majority of patients have a favorable prognosis after the removal of implants and capsules.

Articles of Interest

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a review

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a newly recognized provisional entity in the 2017 revision of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. It is an uncommon, slow growing T-cell lymphoma with morphology and immunophenotype similar to anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the presentation and treatment are unique.

Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma: Current Understanding and Recommendations for Management

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma most commonly presents as a delayed fluid collection around a textured breast implant or as a mass in the capsule surrounding the implant. The exact pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear.

Cancer Linked to Breast Implants Is a Bigger Problem Than We Realized

It’s still rare, but doctors need to know about it so they can catch the cancer before it spreads.

Current Progress in Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon type of T-cell lymphoma. Although with a low incidence, the epidemiological data raised the biosafety and health concerns of breast reconstruction and breast augmentation for BIA-ALCL. Emerging evidence confirms that genetic features, bacterial contamination, chronic inflammation, and textured breast implant are the relevant factors leading to the development of BIA-ALCL. Almost all reported cases with a medical history involve breast implants with a textured surface, which reflects the role of implant surface characteristics in BIA-ALCL.

Information about BIA-ALCL for people with breast implants

BIA-ALCL has mainly been reported in people with breast implants which have a rough (textured) silicone surface. However, until the evidence is clearer, we feel it is best to assume that ANY breast implant (smooth or textured surface) may have the potential to cause BIA-ALCL.

More Cases Are Reported of Unusual Cancer Linked to Breast Implants

The disease is not breast cancer, but is a malignancy of the immune system called breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. When detected early, it can usually be cured by surgery alone, by removing the implant and the capsule of scar tissue that forms around it. But some women have needed more extensive treatment, with chemotherapy and radiation, and the disease can be fatal.

Rare cancer linked to breast implant used by millions of women

Textured breast implants have been linked with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which forms in the scar capsule around the implant and normally begins with pain and swelling in the breast. Women who have the implants and capsules removed can make a full recovery, but if left untreated the disease can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening.

The A, B and C’s of Silicone Breast Implants: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, Biofilm and Capsular Contracture

In 2011, the FDA identified a possible association between textured breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare T- or null-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma first described by Stein and co-workers [68]. It was recognised as a distinct cancer by the World Health Organisation in 2016.

These Breast Implants Have Been Recalled Because of Their Link to a Rare Cancer

And what to do if you have breast implants.

Treatment of BIA-ALCL

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare cancer that can develop in the capsule around an implant used in breast reconstruction or augmentation. BIA-ALCL has been linked to textured implants. A small number of cases have been reported in women with smooth implants but these women may have previously had textured breast implants.

Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

The most common symptoms are unexplained breast enlargement, asymmetry, fluid buildup or a lump in the breast or armpit, but may be rarely more subtle such as overlying skin rash, hardening of the breast.

Radiopaedia

Patients may complain of breast swelling, pain, or asymmetry. Clinical breast examination usually reveals a fluid collection (effusion) or mass. Two-thirds of patients present with a late onset effusion (>1 year from the surgery) and one-third present with a mass The time of onset is at least a year following breast augmentation surgery. The average time of presentation is 8-10 years after implant placement.