September 9th, 2019
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our patients regarding Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
BIA-ALCL is a rare spectrum of disease that has been linked to textured breast implants. It can range from a painless fluid collection around the implant to a form of lymphoma when diagnosis is delayed. This disease is currently classified as a lymphoma, but is thought by many experts to be a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disease. The spectrum ranges from benign CD30+ seromas to malignant CD30+ seromas to invasive disease of the implant capsule. Very rare cases of metastasis have been reported with delays in diagnosis.
Current research is ongoing to further understand this disorder.
BIA-ALCL is highly treatable with high cure rates.
Significant, rapid swelling of the breast (over a period of days or weeks) is usually the first symptom of BIA-ALCL. Typically, this occurs at an average of 8 years after implantation (range: 2-28 years). Other presenting symptoms include a lump in the breast or armpit, firmness of the breast, or pain.
BIA-ALCL is usually easily and completely treated if patients see their doctor when symptoms first arise.
This is an "it depends" type of answer. Most of the time, our patients see their Knoxville plastic surgeon immediately when they develop breast swelling with an implant in place. In these cases, the disease is nearly always caught early and cured with a straightforward procedure (removal of the implant and the implant capsule).
The disease advances in some cases in women who ignored earlier symptoms or saw a physician (or urgent care clinic, or "physician extender") who did not properly diagnose them.
The FDA reports that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is between 1:3,817 and 1:30,000; this is accurate as of this writing (July 2019).
As of July of 2019, there appears to be no risk of developing BIA-ALCL if the surface of the implant is smooth; only textured implants (both round and shaped) have been present in cases where BIA-ALCL has developed. All textured implant types and implant manufacturers have had cases reported to the FDA. As the implant texturing gets more aggressive (the surface of the implant is rougher), the incidence increases.
The exact answer is not known, but to date (as of July 2019), no cases of BIA-ALCL have been found in patients with smooth implants. It appears that the common final pathway in the development of BIA-ALCL is chronic inflammation, which leads to the proliferation of lymphocytes and ultimate mutation to disorganized cell lines (which is what cancer ultimately is). Genetic factors may play a role in the development of BIA-ALCL, and current research is looking into what role genetics play in the development of the disease.
KNOXVILLE, TN
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Schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our knowledgeable surgical consultants who are trained by Dr. Jason Hall. They will answer many of your questions, discuss pricing, and happily schedule you an in-person consultation with Dr. Hall if you are a good surgical candidate.
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