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

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Hematology

Background:

• Millions of women worldwide have breast implants, necessitating awareness of potential complications.
• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon but serious risk.
• BIA-ALCL often manifests as delayed fluid collection or a mass associated with textured implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of BIA-ALCL.
• To provide guidance for practitioners caring for patients with breast implants and BIA-ALCL.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing this rare lymphoma.

Main Methods:

• Review of established guidelines for BIA-ALCL diagnosis and treatment.
• Characterization of BIA-ALCL presentation, including imaging and pathology.
• Summary of treatment strategies based on disease stage.

Main Results:

• BIA-ALCL neoplastic cells are CD30 positive and ALK1 negative.
• Surgical removal of the implant and complete capsulectomy is the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Chemotherapy or radiation is reserved for advanced stages; localized disease has an excellent prognosis.

Conclusions:

• BIA-ALCL is generally an indolent, local disease with a favorable outcome when treated appropriately.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for optimal patient prognosis.
• As of March 2018, 529 cases were reported globally, with fatalities linked to extracapsular involvement.