Diseases

Lymphoma related to Silicone Implants

January 16, 2023
By Fernando Amato

Did you know there is a lymphoma related to silicone implants? It's rare, but it can happen. It's important to investigate if suspected.

Did you know there is a lymphoma related to silicone implants? It's rare, but it can happen, so it's important to investigate when there's suspicion.

What is Lymphoma related to silicone implants?

BIA-ALCL, or Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, is a rare condition that can occur after breast implant placement. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, about 1 in 3,800 women with breast implants will develop BIA-ALCL.

Most cases of BIA-ALCL are detected between 8 and 10 years after implant placement, but it can occur both before and after this period. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness around the implant, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.

The exact cause of BIA-ALCL is not yet known, but it is believed to be related to the presence of silicone excessively stimulating the local immune response. Treatment usually involves basically the removal of the implant and the affected surrounding tissues.

Therefore, it is important to note that BIA-ALCL is different from common breast cancer and is much rarer. Most women with breast implants will never develop BIA-ALCL. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.

In general, plastic surgeons recommend that a specialist regularly examine women with breast implants to monitor for any changes in implant size or shape, as well as any signs of swelling or pain.

In summary, BIA-ALCL is a rare but potentially serious condition that can occur after breast implant placement. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness around the implant, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. Treatment usually involves the removal of the implant and the affected surrounding tissues. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.

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Tests that should be requested to investigate LYMPHOMA (BIA-ALCL)

Oncotic cytology and immunocytochemistry with CD30 and ALK screening
(CD30 must be positive and ALK negative)

Request:
Ultrasound-guided puncture (NOTE: perform with enough time to send fresh material for analysis)

Breast ultrasound (40901114)
Ultrasound-guided puncture (40809099)

Collection guidance:

Anatomical pathology
- Fluid – 5 to 10 ml (do not add formalin) – immediate/fresh analysis
  - Fluid cytology (40601129)
  - Fluid immunocytochemistry (40601170)
- Solid material/surgical specimen (in formalin)
  - Anatomopathological (40601200)
  - Immunohistochemical (40601170)
Flow cytometry laboratory
- Immunophenotyping (40403254)
  - Fluid (dry tube – less than 6 hours)
  - Surgical specimen (place in saline solution) – emphasize BIA-ALCL (CD30)

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Frequently asked questions:

What is BIA-ALCL?

In summary, BIA-ALCL is an acronym for Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. It is a rare condition that can occur after breast implant placement.

What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include swelling, pain, and redness around the implant, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.

What is the cause of BIA-ALCL?

The exact cause of BIA-ALCL is not yet known, but it is believed to be related to the stimulation of the immune response in connection with the presence of a silicone implant.

What is the incidence rate of BIA-ALCL?

The incidence rate of BIA-ALCL is approximately 1 in 3,800 women with breast implants.

When do BIA-ALCL symptoms usually appear?

Most cases of BIA-ALCL are detected between 8 and 10 years after implant placement, but they can occur both before and after this period.

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How is BIA-ALCL diagnosed?

First, BIA-ALCL is diagnosed through imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, as well as a biopsy of the tissues surrounding the implant.

How is BIA-ALCL treated?

Treatment for BIA-ALCL usually involves the removal of the implant and the affected surrounding tissues.

What happens if BIA-ALCL is not treated?

If BIA-ALCL is not treated, it can cause significant damage to the tissues surrounding the implant, as well as the risk of spread to other parts of the body.

How can I prevent the development of BIA-ALCL?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent the development of BIA-ALCL. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.

Can I get BIA-ALCL if I have a silicone implant?

BIA-ALCL can occur with both silicone and polyurethane implants, regardless of the type of implant used. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur, regardless of the type of implant you have.