BIA-ALCL and implants
Breast implant associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma has been the focus of recent breast implant research and media attention. At this point, all cases that have been reported have involved a “textured” implant (textured implants have a rough surface), occurs an average of 8 years after implantation, and are typically identified by a sudden change/ increase in the size of the breast.
BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. The cancer is found within the scar tissue capsule around the implant and can produce fluid, hence the increase in the size of the breast.
NorCal Plastic Surgery does not use textured implants and will continue to keep our patients up to date as more data is released. Current guidelines do not recommend the removal of the textured implants in question, but they do recommend talking to your plastic surgeon. Periodic clinical examinations are recommended in order to identify any possible changes early.
The FDA has published a helpful Q&A that can be found here: Q&A BIA-ALCL
