In news reports you may have recently heard of a cancer that has been associated with breast implants called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It is a T-cell lymphoma that is not a cancer of the breast tissue itself, but a type of cancer that develops around the scar tissue which forms around the implant. In rare cases it may spread to other areas.
For the cases reported to date, it has been seen most often in patients with Allergan textured implants. The company has voluntarily removed them from the market while more studies are being performed.
Your estimated chance of getting BIA-ALCL from textured implants is 1 in 3,817 – 1 in 30,000 or 0.03% to 0.003%.
In my medical practice I have never implanted textured implants.
If you have breast implants, there is no need to change your routine medical care and follow-up.
You should follow standard medical recommendations, including regular medical examinations as scheduled by your family doctor. If you notice any changes to your breasts, please contact your health care provider promptly to arrange an appointment with your original plastic surgeon for continuity of your care.
For more information on BIA-ALCL, visit plasticsurgery.org/alcl
Information excerpts are from Allergan’s Patient BA FAQ handouts (sent to all plastic surgery clinics with Allergan accounts)
