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Abstract

Breast implantation is a common procedure for either breast reconstruction, following a mastectomy or for cosmetics. Approximately 10 million individuals have breast implants worldwide. Breast implants are composed of an outer silicone layer that are filled with either silicone gel or saline and have a lifespan of approximately 16 years (Quesada et al., 2018). When the implantation occurs, a fibrous capsule is naturally formed around the implant. However, it has become apparent in recent years that there is a link between the use of textured implants and a rare type of lymphoma. Breast Implant Associated- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can occur in individuals with synthetic breasts, first identified in 1997. BIA-ALCL is distinct from breast cancer as it is a cancer of the lymphatic system and forms in the capsule around the breast implant. Allergen’s Biocell textured implants is associated with the highest incidence of BIA-ALCL. Breast lymphomas make up approximately 2% of all extranodal lymphomas, and less that 1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (Quesada et al., 2018). The most common symptoms of this lymphoma is swelling in the area of the implant, significant change in the size, a firm or palpable mass near the implant and discomfort, pain and tenderness in the affected breast. Commonly, one breast is affected, however, rarely bilateral cases have been reported (Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, 2024).

Allergen’s Biocell textured implants have been discontinued in Ireland since December 2018. BIA-ALCL usually presents more than 1-year post- implantation, with a median of 8-10 years post implantation, making BIA-ALCL a current issue. There has been 1577 reported cases of BIA-ALCL and 63 deaths from BIA-ALCL reported as of August 2024 worldwide, with the United States of America having the most reported cases (Uscher, 2023). In order for the patient to have the best possible outcome, patient awareness, training for medical scientists in the examination of suspected BIA-ALCL and doctors in identifying the symptoms of BIA-ALCL is paramount (Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, 2024).

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Publisher

Munster Technological University

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