How to tell if I have Breast Implant-related lymphoma?

Question

I’m terrified I have this! I have one breast implant on my left side which was done on the NHS due to severe asymmetry. The original implant was replaced in 2012 with a textured one. I have been having a lot of pain in this breast, along with severe weight loss and a lot of other health problems ie: dizziness, migraines, brain fog, fluctuating heart rate and fatigue. I’m waiting for another appointment with the consultant but it takes ages on the NHS. Could anyone help put my mind at rest?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello ripply,
I understand your concerns. Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a T-cell lymphoma that can develop following breast implants. ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the cells of the immune system. It can occur in many different parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and skin. Even though BIA-ALCL is found in the breasts of some individuals (cis- and trans-gender women and men) with breast implants, it is not breast cancer. In the UK, the estimated risk of BIA-ALCL, based on the reported confirmed cases is 1 per 28,000 implants sold. This estimate is based on data for all types of breast implants known to be sold in the UK and reported cases of BIA-ALCL confirmed to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria until December 2017. This is an estimate as some cases may not have been reported to the manufacturer or to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) during this period, additionally all devices known to be sold in the UK may not have been implanted. Because the risk of ALCL appears very small, breast implants continue to be considered safe and effective when used as labeled. Up to date, there is no certainty about the specific cause-and-effect relationship between breast implants and ALCL. Most data comprised in medical device reports suggest that BIA-ALCL occurs more frequently following implantation of breast implants with textured surfaces rather than those with smooth surfaces. Currently, it is not possible to identify a type of implant (silicone versus saline) or a reason for implant (reconstruction versus aesthetic augmentation) associated with a smaller or greater risk. Half of the reported cases were diagnosed within 7-8 years post-implantation. Most patients were diagnosed when they sought medical treatment for implant-related symptoms such as persistent seromas, capsular contractures, or peri-implant masses warranting breast implant revision operations. In each case, lymphoma cells were found in the effusion fluid (seroma) surrounding the implant, in the fibrous capsule, or within a peri-implant mass. Fortunately, BIA-ALCL tends to remain confined around the breast implant and most patients have a good prognosis when they receive the appropriate treatment. It is essential for you to understand the importance of consulting with your plastic surgeon since he/she may be the specialist most knowledgeable about this rare disease process as well as the person most appropriate to coordinate the necessary evaluation and treatment. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

How to tell if I have Breast Implant-related lymphoma?

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