Is fluid/seroma around textured implants a concern for BIA ALCL?

Question

Hi, I'm concerned about fluid surrounding textured implants with capsular contracture and small seroma. I got Allergan silicone breast textured implants done in January 2016. I started to feel hardness, swelling and pain in my right breast in Nov 2017. I am currently in Sydney, Australia and got the implants done in my home country India. My recent MRI report states 10ml fluid on LBI and 2ml fluid surrounding RBI, with small seroma and contracture with extra fold. I recently came to know of BIA ALCL, there has been history of cancer in my mum's family. PLS recommend best course of action. Thanks

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi,Firstly you should understand that ALCL is a very rare condition and although it usually presents as swelling with fluid around implants, most patients with this will NOT have ALCL. It also is very unlikely in 2 year old implants. We believe it is a condition that takes years to develop. 10 ml of fluid around implants is not likely of any concern. That is not much and is probably considered normal. If you feel hardness and there is a fold on MRI, the likely problem is capsular contracture, not ALCL. You are welcome to come and get an assessment.Regards,Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Fluid collection around breast implants is very common and BIA ALCL is rare so the chance of your small fluid collection being BIA ALCL is extremely unlikely.  BIA ALCL also tends to occur as a late event, some 7 to 10 years following implantation.  There are a host of common reasons to have a small fluid collection around your implants.  Your best plan would be to see a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon to review your costs and tests. It may be possible to arrange an ultrasound guided aspiration of the fluid so it can be quickly and easily tested - again, don't worry, its extremely unlikely there is any cause for concern.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. One of the earliest signs of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is seroma formation  late after insertion of textured implants. The treatment is removal and capsulectomy with pathology performed on the fluid as well as the capsule. Axillary CT scan would be ordered if the path is positive. If chemotherapy is necessary after receptor analysis the course is usually 2 rounds of CHOP. Once this is done implant replacement is possible but smooth round implants should be used. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible for further asssessment and treatment. My patient has survived this disease and is happy with her outcome. Hope the same for you.

Is fluid/seroma around textured implants a concern for BIA ALCL?

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Is fluid/seroma around textured implants a concern for BIA ALCL?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.