The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has published new guidelines for protection against the development of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).
BIA-ALCL is an unusual type of lymphoma that forms near breast implants, and develops as a tumor in the breast between 3 and 14 years after the insertion of breast implants. This tumor occurs as a result of the collection of fluid at the implant, or such a lump in the chest or armpit.Â
BIA-ALCL is not associated with breast cancer, as it does not involve the breast tissue itself, but is enclosed in a fibrous capsule around the implant.
Common symptoms are increasing volume of the breast, lump in Breast or armpit. The risk of BIA-ALCL is estimated at 1 per 50,000. In perspective, the risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8 women. It is not possible to predict who will get this disease. It can happen with both saline and silicone implants.
The diagnosis is made through a sample of tissue fluid (cytology and CD30).
The treatment consists of removal of implants and capsule. In all known cases, this was a 100{54b116087a6f74e83971d02c04db3cc13141fd9ff760a1e389c9721123fe5531} effective treatment of BIA-ALCL. New implants can be inserted at a later time.
NOTE! Breast implants are not lifelong, and generally always have to be replaced or removed at a certain point. Common causes are migration of the implant, capsule formation and rupture of the implant.Â
Causes of BIA-ALCL are bacteria in the lymphoma and around the implants in the treated breast, which create an inflammatory process. For individual women, genetic factors may be important. Smooth implants have a risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
It has been shown that bacterial infections as complications of implant placement can lead to BIA-ALCL. There is a developed 14 step plan to reduce the risk of bacteria attaching to the implants surgery . These steps have been shown to reduce the risk of capsule formation.
Contact your doctor if you suspect BIA-ALCL or want to know more.
We at Oslo Plastikkirurgi are concerned about your safety and do everything to minimize the risks of complications.
Read more at: https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/Member-FAQs_1.pdf
