Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: My Personal Journey

I am one of only a few patients who have undergone reimplantation with breast implants directly after a diagnosis of breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This decision was a very personal one and many may question why I would make such a rash decision so soon after being diagnosed. I am proof that this new type of man-made cancer, unknown until the mid-to-late 90s or early 2000s, developed as a result of textured breast implants. The objective of this article is to bring awareness to health care professionals about BIA-ALCL, provide a brief history of the United States Food and Drug Administration textured breast implant approvals and subsequent recall, and talk about the emotional rollercoaster this diagnosis brings to the patient.