Breast Implant Associated ALCL Treatment in Dallas
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in Dallas is a rare but serious type of breast implant cancer. At the Cosmetic Surgical Center, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rai is dedicated to helping patients understand potential breast implant risks and make informed decisions about their health.
What Is BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL is a T-cell lymphoma that forms in the fluid or capsule surrounding a breast implant. It is considered rare but remains a notable concern for women with textured implants. While breast implant complications can occur for a variety of reasons, BIA-ALCL has been linked specifically to the textured surface of certain implants, which were initially designed to reduce capsular contracture.
The risk of developing BIA-ALCL is about 1 in 500,000 for women with breast implants, but the rate increases to 1 in 30,000 for women with textured implants. Globally, there have been 573 reported cases of breast implant lymphoma and 33 related deaths, though these numbers may be underreported.
Signs and Symptoms of BIA-ALCL
BIA-ALCL symptoms would typically present 8 to 10 years after breast augmentation. They can include:
- Fluid accumulation around the implant (seroma)
- Swelling or lumps in the breast or armpit
- Pain or discomfort near the implant
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out breast implant illness or other complications.
Causes of BIA-ALCL
Although the exact causes of BIA-ALCL are not fully understood, research has identified several contributing factors. Chronic bacterial infection surrounding the implant may trigger an immune response in genetically predisposed women. Long-term inflammation associated with the textured surface of certain implants is another possible factor. These findings have prompted regulatory actions to improve breast implant safety, including the FDA’s recall of Allergan textured implants and a European ban on many textured products.
Textured implants linked to BIA-ALCL were often manufactured using methods such as Allergan’s Biocell “salt loss” technique, Mentor’s Siltex “negative imprinting,” and Sientra’s hybrid approach. If you have textured implants, it’s essential to monitor your health for potential breast implant complications and consult your surgeon if concerns arise.
Diagnosing BIA-ALCL
Diagnosing BIA-ALCL involves several steps to confirm its presence. If symptoms such as swelling or fluid buildup are observed, the first step is typically an ultrasound-guided fluid aspiration around the implant. This fluid is tested for CD30 markers, which can confirm the presence of breast implant lymphoma. Once a diagnosis is made, patients are referred to an oncologist for staging using PET/CT scans, which identify any capsular masses or lymph node involvement.
How is BIA-ALCL Treated?
The most effective treatment for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is breast explant surgery, which involves removing the implant and surrounding capsule through a procedure called total capsulectomy. For some patients, removing the other implant may also be recommended.
Breast implant removal usually works quite well when BIA-ALCL is caught early, though chemotherapy may be required for more advanced cases. Regular monitoring, including additional scans every six months for the next two years, should ensure that any recurrence is detected promptly.
Learn More With Dr. Rai
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in Dallas is a concern that should not be overlooked. If you have questions about breast implant risks, safety, and/or removal, Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center provides thorough consultations to help you understand your options. Contact us today to set up an appointment and learn more about BIA-ALCL symptoms and treatment.